Political theory in forest policy science

The use of theory in forest policy studies has given a new face to forest policy science, as it matured from an applied academic field to a specialized sub-discipline. In addition to doing science to support policy, forest policy academics engage in research to expand policy sciences. The link to theory enables the forest policy researcher to generalize findings. The successful use of theory in analyzing a specific forest policy issue is a “test” of the theory and an important contribution to the general academic discussion of each theory. Existing theories can be adjusted and refreshed through forest policy studies. Forest policy studies have a tendency to follow trends, and choose theories that are in vogue to analyze forest policy cases. As such, forest policy science is well integrated into the broader field of policy sciences and political sciences in general. Apart from the modest contributions to the dominant policy theories, forest policy science has become internationalized over the last two decades and is thus perhaps more capable of serving as a vehicle for broad theory development and theory cross fertilization than political sciences sub-disciplines with a more narrow geographic focus.

► We review the contribution of forest policy research to policy theory development. ► Empirical forest policy cases look different when they are viewed through the lens of alternative theories. ► Selection of theory in forest policy research is guided by a researcher's preference, academic environment or experience. ► Successful use in forest policy research tests a theory and constitutes an important contribution to its academic discussion. ► Existing policy theories can be adjusted and refreshed through forest policy studies.