Chivers, Charlotte-Anne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3267-5558, Barkley, Lucy
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1787-8998 and Short, Christopher J
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0429-1143
(2025)
Agonistic pluralism for enhancing the co-design of agri-environmental policy.
Ambio.
doi:10.1007/s13280-025-02158-0
(In Press)
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14995 Chivers, Barkley, Short (2025) Agonistic pluralism for enhancing the co-design of agri-environmental policy.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 19 April 2026. (Publisher Embargo). Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (1MB) |
Abstract
This study examines the role of agonistic pluralism in shaping policy co-design, including the development of agri-environment schemes. Embracing agonism may provide a democratic framework for deliberative co-design. By 'relinquishing all claims to finality, to happy endings', this involves embracing conflict rather than seeking consensus (McManus in Polity 40:509–525, 2008). By recognising and navigating power imbalances rather than eliminating them, it enhances co-design elements such as framing, facilitation, and ongoing negotiation. Although seemingly more time-consuming than less deliberative methods, this approach may prove efficient if it produces policies viewed as legitimate by diverse parties. In urgent contexts, adopting agonistic pluralism could foster rapid policy development by advancing 'good enough' ideas rather than pursuing unattainable consensus, particularly where complex challenges are being addressed. Furthermore, agonistic pluralism advocates for policies to remain flexible and continually evolve through meaningful negotiation, ensuring they are genuinely co-designed and adaptable to changing needs.
Item Type: | Article |
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Article Type: | Article |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | Agonism; Agri-environment; Dissensus; Environmental recovery; Negotiation; Policy development |
Subjects: | J Political Science > JA Political science (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) > S589.75 Agriculture and the environment |
Divisions: | Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute |
Depositing User: | Caitlin Mackenzie |
Date Deposited: | 02 May 2025 10:32 |
Last Modified: | 02 May 2025 10:45 |
URI: | https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/14995 |
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