Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Skuzinski, Thomas

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Political Science

Abstract

This dissertation explores the intricate dynamics of how policy actors, as members of distinct epistemic communities, form, legitimize, and rationalize their preferences and behaviors. These epistemic communities provide a foundation for understanding the origins of beliefs and the mechanisms that drive cooperation, coordination, and advocacy among policy actors. By focusing on regulators within the energy policy subsystem in Colombia, this study sheds light on the significance of epistemic community membership in shaping beliefs about the human-nature relationship.

Additionally, this dissertation makes a methodological contribution by employing interpretative techniques for interviewing and data collection. It emphasizes the role of positionality, particularly the impact of pregnancy, in gaining access to elite regulators. Through these insights, the study advances the theory of epistemic legitimacy and highlights its relevance in identifying and understanding the belief systems that influence policy-making processes. This research not only contributes to the theoretical development of the Advocacy Coalition Framework but also provides practical implications for enhancing policy effectiveness and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex policy challenges.

Extent

187 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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