SP&E 354 - Comparative Public Policy

Following the wave of decentralization that occurred in the late 20th century, the implementation of policies related to water, sanitation, transportation, housing, pollution, energy, and public safety typically falls to state or local governments. Yet these sub-national institutions face difficulties as they tackle these challenges because development tends to spill over political boundaries and resources are limited. Such difficulties are particularly acute in the developing world due to tighter resource constraints, weak institutions, and the comparative severity of the underlying problems. This course will consider the political and institutional environment in which efforts to address problems with local-level policy implementation are developed. Emphasis will be placed upon fertile areas for research within the social sciences. Topics will include decentralization and multi-level governance, the police, local public service provision, front-line bureaucracies, corruption, and local political economy. Readings will be drawn primarily from Political Science, Economics, and Public Policy. Empirical examples will be drawn from across the developing world.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar