Introduction
Public policy is often regarded as a rational response to collective problems—an orderly system of rules, regulations, and incentives designed to improve social welfare. Yet beneath this normative ideal lies a strategic reality: policy design can also function as a shield against accountability. Through complexity, procedural ambiguity, and obfuscation, political actors may craft policies that disperse blame, mask agency, or deflect responsibility. This article explores the mechanics and implications of policy-based blame avoidance, drawing on Christopher Hood’s typology and the broader literature on institutional design, administrative opacity, and political accountability…
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