Editorial introduction: Punctuated equilibrium, multiple streams, environmental governance, and many more

Greetings! As we enter the second quarter of year, are thrilled to present issue Policy Studies Journal (PSJ). This features 10 top-notch research articles that cover various topics related policy theory and substantive domains. Before diving into details articles, would like share some exciting news PSJ operations. First, in February, established a strategic partnership with Seoul National University (SNU) Graduate School Public Administration (GSPA) South Korea. Along PSJ's existing relationship Maxwell Citizenship Affairs at Syracuse University, this new will help strengthen mutual scholarly collaboration promote Korea beyond. Second, due nuances production model, decided Theory Practice (PT&P) be rolling special collection within PSJ. Many researchers cannot afford publish their works non-indexed journal, now they can under impact factor. By introducing PT&P as collection, significantly increase both number it publishes range subject matter covers while upholding its fundamental mission advancing theory. We confident model benefit emerging scholars and, most importantly, better serve needs community. Third, April, successfully hosted Scholar Reception 80th annual Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) meeting Chicago. It saw large turnout resulted many meaningful exchanges. The reception was made possible by generous financial support Dr. Michael D. Jones (University Tennessee-Knoxville), Paul Teske Colorado-Denver), others, very grateful for support. Fourth, pleased announce launch manuscript submission platform called Research Exchange (ReX), which provide authors more intuitive streamlined process submitting work. ReX integrate ScholarOne management system. So, those who have already submitted manuscripts through not experience any changes peer review workflows. Now, let us turn our attention exceptional included issue. first four focus on Punctuated Equilibrium (PET) (e.g., Chen & Flink, 2022; Fernández-i-Marín et al., Meza, 2022), covering such political institutions, disasters, international politics, systematic priorities China, role parties prime ministers shaping executive lawmaking agenda Australia. In lead article, “Political Institutions, Theory, Disasters,” Fagan (2023) puts forth about how institutions relate disasters. According what is predicted PET, author suggests systems accumulate errors easily higher volume Systems greater veto players lower levels information flow also but outcome than players. tests analyzing data crises, natural technological disasters 70 countries over 60 years. results confirm limited flows risk “The Calm Storm: A International Politics,” Joly Richter argue field Relations (IR) has given enough consideration PET investigate causes stability change politics these dynamics work domestic level, well interact each other. They demonstrate indicators troop deployments, foreign aid, trade, exhibit leptokurtic pattern change. characterizes Equilibrium, whereby typically periods relative incremental behavior, punctuated sudden, large-scale overthrow policies. Their analysis reveals institutional friction plays significant comprehending IR context well. Next, “What Do Know About China? Systematic Review Priorities,” van den Dool Li suggest theory, usually applied democracies, tested autocratic states. authoritarian regimes may less friction, restrictions flow, making them unique case testing theory's mechanisms. To broaden understanding beyond democratic states, 88 written Chinese. Contrary literature English, Chinese studies qualitative weak operationalization PET's core concepts. reviewed policymaking China follows equilibrium pattern, there evidence intense punctuations when compared democracies. recommend future should use long-term sets carefully examine processing policymakers. conducting exchange comparative necessary enhance comprehension autocracies China. Lastly, Executive Lawmaking Agenda: Parties, Prime Ministers, Change Australia,” Gibbons Evans analyze 3982 Australian bills introduced from 2000 2017 see if theoretical postulations applicable Westminster systems. find content agendas remained mostly stable, minister had larger Australia's agenda, governing party. approach government Australia, providing insights during turbulent period politics. next two Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) DeLeo Duarte, Derwort Dolan, 2021; Fowler, examining infeasibility implementing national ban live poultry sales exploring relational coupling multiple streams tackling COVID-19 infections German abattoirs. her Nondemocracy: Infeasibility Ban Live Poultry Sales China,” uses MSF study sale food markets major concern preventing epidemics. documents, World Health Organization (WHO) data, other sources, demonstrates despite danger public health, even though high-level officials it, been implemented because technically possible, financially feasible, or compatible current beliefs practices. claims although an lacks pluralism, proposed policies elite always suggesting further explore ideas different domains regimes. “Relational Coupling Streams: Case Infections Abattoirs,” Möck al. outbreaks among employees meat-processing industry, combined Work Safety Control Act July 2020 safeguard workers, served windows introduce measures perspective. However, understand setting examination windows. concept text mass media identify entrepreneurial activities. discourse network show were key stages process: first, initial problem brokerage without policies, then all coupled together based focusing event. provides MSF. final linked environmental governance broadly Deslatte Dobbin Lubell, Haider Teodoro, Henry 2021), issues justice collaborative governance, attributes climate support, reaching negotiated agreements amidst belief divergence governance. “Drivers (In)Equity Collaborative Environmental Governance,” groundwater planning California addresses small rural drinking water users vulnerable. types Boosted Regression Classification Trees (BRCT) method determine factors influence process, collaboration, representation, capture, stakeholder engagement, severity/salience. claim equitable process; however, effects complex vary depending outcome. such, diverse contexts gain social equity decentralized reforms. “Environmental Governance China: Effects Clarity, Career Concerns, New Appointed Officials Pollution Control,” Sun clarity high-powered incentive organizational performance city-level Report Government 2004 2015, along Difference-in-Differences (DID) design. discover incentives present, local likely comply protection measures, resulting outcomes. newly appointed Party Secretaries cities play crucial improving regulation propose typology principal–agent explain succeeded recent decades. practical implications looking improve effectiveness Policymakers design effective address problems considering citizens' preferences options level When comes costs benefits global opinion approaches. “Policy Attributes Shape Climate Support,” Coleman views influenced perception conditional cooperation, distributive concerns, government. utilize Sweden conduct conjoint experiment alter government, type, targeted group. findings individuals shared widely. Furthermore, depends whether units scales adopt them. unpopular could become widely accepted binding structure cost-sharing happens Coalition conflicts processes often occur differing beliefs, gridlock. Decreasing allow negotiation change, challenging achieve. suggested reduce conflict manageable enhancing potential negotiations necessitating changes. “Mitigating Conflict Collaboration: Reaching Negotiated Agreement Belief Divergence Koebele Crow cause used mitigate opposing coalitions involved 10-year-long ended agreement. longitudinal survey interview start differ progresses. mainly one coalition's stronger reinforced. Nonetheless, approaches facilitate agreement increasing beliefs. These useful studying mitigation designing high context. conclusion, hope inspires discussions broader invite you read engage look forward your feedback. always, express utmost gratitude everyone publication issue, including authors, reviewers, editorial staff. continue appreciate assistance strive high-quality studies. wish success happiness coming months seeing again August! Editorial Team.