"Bureaucratic Influence in International Politics" - by CWP alum Tyler Jost
Over the past decade, a new wave of research has restored interest in the central and complex role of bureaucracy in international politics. We introduce the concept of bureaucratic influence to unify theories modeling how bureaucrats — ranging from foreign policy advisers to international organization (IO) staff — shape political outcomes. We identify two dimensions that structure the pathways through which bureaucrats exert such influence: the degree of centralization in the decision-making process and the selection criteria political leaders apply. We synthesize the resurgent literature along these dimensions, illustrating how emerging findings challenge several conventional wisdoms about the scope and effects of bureaucracy. Finally, we take stock of the empirical accomplishments of recent scholarship, highlighting the rich micro-level data it has introduced while noting the bureaucratic populations that remain understudied. Together, our review illuminates how bureaucratic actors embedded in states and IOs shape consequential events in international politics.
Tyler Jost is Assistant Professor of Political Science, International & Public Affairs and Watson Institute Assistant Professor of China Studies. His research focuses on national security decision-making, bureaucratic politics, and Chinese foreign policy. Dr. Jost’s current book project examines domestic institutions designed to decide and coordinate national security policy, such as the U.S. National Security Council. Dr. Jost completed his doctoral degree in the Department of Government at Harvard University. He has held postdoctoral fellowships in the International Security Program at the Kennedy School of Government, as well as in the China and the World Program at Columbia University. His research has been supported by the Smith Richardson Foundation, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies.
