How policy institutions filter conflict: The (de)escalation of policy conflict through closing down or opening up the space for contestation
Wolf,Eva
Wolf,Eva
Abstract
This article argues that in situations of policy conflict, policymaking institutions that act as de facto conflict arbiters may escalate the conflict they are trying to settle. The role of institutions in policy conflicts is studied in the lengthy and highly contested policymaking process of the multibillion-euro 'Oosterweelconnection' highway in Antwerp (Belgium). The article concludes that while narrowing the scope of conflict through standardized institutional procedures initially disciplined the Oosterweel conflict, it ultimately drove further escalation, as residual topics of conflict remained and sought new institutional outlets. At the same time, more flexible institutions, while being able to finally settle the Oosterweel conflict, produced an agreement that remained institutionally unembedded and therefore more vulnerable to exploitation because it was not formally enforceable
Description
Date
2021-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Antwerp, CONFLICT, EIA, Referendum, Oosterweel, policymaking, policy conflict
Citation
Wolf, E 2021, 'How policy institutions filter conflict : The (de)escalation of policy conflict through closing down or opening up the space for contestation ', Built Environment, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 56-74. https://doi.org/10.2148/benv.47.1.56