Selected Essays, Volume I provides an extensive collection of key articles written by R.A.W. Rhodes on the topics of policy networks and governance.

Network Governance and the Differentiated Polity' is the first of two volumes featuring a selection of key writings by R. A. W. Rhodes. Volume I collects in one place for the first time the main articles written by Rhodes on policy networks and governance between 1990 and 2005. The introductory section provides a short biography of the author's journey, Part I focuses on policy networks, and Part II focuses on governance. The conclusion provides critical commentary, both replying to critics and reflecting on theoretical developments since publication. The volume complements the author's other publications on networks and governance, and many chapters in the volume feature an afterword setting out the context in which it was written and identifying what has changed empirically. Volume II looks forward and explores the 'interpretive turn' and its implications for the craft of political science, especially public administration.

Network Governance and the Differentiated Polity is the first of two volumes featuring a selection of key writings by R. A. W. Rhodes. Volume I collects in one place for the first time the main articles written by Rhodes on policy networks and governance between 1990 and 2005. The introductory section provides a short biography of the author's journey, Part I focuses on policy networks, and Part II focuses on governance. The conclusion provides critical commentary, both replying to critics and reflecting on theoretical developments since publication. The volume complements the author's other publications on networks and governance, and many chapters in the volume feature an afterword setting out the context in which it was written and identifying what has changed empirically. Volume II looks forward and explores the 'interpretive turn' and its implications for the craft of political science, especially public administration.

In this volume, author R. A. W. Rhodes (political science, U. of Newcastle-upon-Tyne) explores such questions as what has changed in British government over the past two decades and how and why it has changed; why so many government policies fail; and what the shift from government to governance means for the practice and study of British government. He also questions the methodological and theoretical assumptions rife in the study of British government, offering a theoretical model of governance, explaining the methodology, discussing applications, and new developments. Distributed by Taylor and Francis. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

′A comprehensive, multidisciplinary examination of the concepts embodied in governance and their wide-ranging applications and implications. An important read and reference for students and academics in the social sciences, particularly those engaged in public policy studies′ - Professor Carolyn J. Heinrich, University of Wisconsin-Madison ′An authoritative short survey for which students and teachers alike will be profoundly grateful′ - Professor Rod Rhodes, University of Tasmania and Australian National University ′Students of governance will welcome this book given the explosion of literature in the field. It provides a quick guide to key concepts and ideas but does so with considerable originality. We are offered not just a review of well-established positions but a distinctive take on the governance debate′ - Gerry Stoker, Professor of Governance, University of Southampton The language of governance has risen to prominence in the last 20 years as a way of describing and explaining changes in the nature and role of the state, but the concepts involved can be confusing as they are often new and come from diverse disciplinary and theoretical settings. Key Concepts in Governance provides a clear introduction to the technical concepts and policies of contemporary governance through short definitional essays. Each entry features: " a snapshot definition of the concept " a contextualization of the concept " an overview of relevant debates " a guide to further reading. The book also includes a substantial introductory chapter which gives an overview of governance studies as a whole, orientating and guiding the reader around the issues that the concepts address. Highly readable, with clear cross-referencing, this is an ideal book for students on introductory courses and an indispensable resource for anyone interested in governance.

This edited volume seeks to explore established as well as emergent forms of governance by combining social network analysis and governance research. In doing so, contributions take into account the increasingly complex forms which governance faces, consisting of different types of actors (e.g. individuals, states, economic entities, NGOs, IGOs), instruments (e.g. law, suggestions, flexible norms) and arenas from the local up to the global level, and which more and more questions theoretical models that have focused primarily on markets and hierarchies. The topics addressed in this volume are processes of coordination, arriving at and implementing decisions taking place in network(ed) (social) structures; such as governance of work relations, of financial markets, of innovation and politics. These processes are investigated and discussed from sociologists’, political scientists’ and economists’ viewpoints. ​

Theories heralding the rise of network governance have dominated for a generation. Yet, empirical research suggests that claims for the transformative potential of networks are exaggerated. This topical and timely book takes a critical look at contemporary governance theory, elaborating a Gramscian alternative. It argues that, although the ideology of networks has been a vital element in the neoliberal hegemonic project, there are major structural impediments to accomplishing it. While networking remains important, the hierarchical and coercive state is vital for the maintenance of social order and integral to the institutions of contemporary governance. Reconsidering it from Marxist and Gramscian perspectives, the book argues that the hegemonic ideology of networks is utopian and rejects the claim that there has been a transformation from 'government' to 'governance'. This important book has international appeal and will be essential reading for scholars and students of governance, public policy, human geography, public management, social policy and sociology.