Using Social Network Analysis to Study International Energy Policy Networks

Abstract

The case study discusses the application of social network analysis to the study of international energy policy networks. More precisely, the case studies two advocacy coalitions that advocated pro and against fracking for shale gas in the European Union. Innovatively, the study proposes a methodology supporting the study of advocacy coalitions in interaction, as parts of broader policy subsystems. Social network analysis is very useful in generating network maps that can constitute a valuable graphic addition to the narrative on policy networks in academic work. Social network analysis is used here to study the members of the two coalitions and their connections to be later on graphically illustrated on the network map. In addition, social network analysis is used to determine that the members of the pro-fracking coalition occupy key positions in the policy subsystem and show substantial amounts of relational power, which helps explain their advocacy success. Social network analysis is performed in this study on data collected by interviewing policymakers and capturing in this way also the less formal policy interactions taking place among them. The case provides insight into research practicalities and discusses challenges in the data collection and analysis processes. It also presents several lessons learned during research and advances strategies for gaining research access to the network members, for encouraging a high degree of disclosure during interviews, as well as for successfully conducting social network analysis on the data (for instance, by choosing the right social network analysis measure, properly managing data, or using social network analysis software).

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