Policy networks as tools of analysis. Notes from recent interventions on rural development in Argentina (2008-2014)

Abstract

Policy networks already have been part of the in Political Science for many years. The ability to look critically inter-governmental relationships at different levels in order to identify actors and actions in several contexts is a tool of great analytical value. In this paper, a route is proposed by the literature on policy networks to account for those existing in the field of rural development policies in Argentina in recent times. This paper presents an introduction, after that, a second section in which theoretical aspects connected with the State, public policies and networks are developed; a third paragraph indicates some characteristics of interventions in rural development in the country and, a fourth section is dedicated to analyze a number of experiences. Finally, some conclusions emphasize the leading role of the State in policy network and also the difficulties and challenges that these have as in-between the relationship political system /society in which they are present, most of the time, as networks "on paper".