Critical Review of Colander & Kupers (2014), Complexity and the Art of Public Policy

Abstract

The authors attempt to introduce complexity theory to public policy discourse. Despite certain benefits it brings, complexity remains challenging in terms of its operationalization. Furthermore, the authors could not include specific examples of complexity policy implementation cases, as well as specific conditions that would be more favorable to complexity implementation. Thus, complexity largely remains an abstract theoretical construct rather than a concrete practical approach to solving policy issues. Conventional economic theories, despite all their possible shortcomings and limitations, do provide a more or less acceptable and useable measurability and operational tools, enabling a policy expert to draw specific policy conclusions and offer recommendations.