Explaining Policy Convergence and Divergence through Policy Paradigm Shifts: A Comparative Analysis of Agricultural Risk Governance in OECD Countries

Abstract

This study analyses policy convergence in agricultural policies and shows that the predominant policy paradigm of a country can be a major barrier that impedes policy convergence. To provide empirical evidence for the link, this research studies risk management support in agricultural policies in the framework of historical institutionalism by using a mixed methods approach. The comparative policy analysis of agricultural risk governance in OECD countries suggests a high path dependency of established institutions and instruments of the underlying policy paradigm that frequently prevent major support for risk management tools and do not lead to a clear policy convergence.