Political will is defined as the extent of committed support among key decision makers for a particular policy solution to a particular problem. It involves having a sufficient set of decision-makers who share a common understanding of the issue and are committed to supporting a potentially effective policy solution. Political will is seen as a collective and often complex phenomenon that reflects the determination and credible intent of political actors to take and sustain action on an issue. It is considered crucial for the success of policies and reforms, and its absence is often cited as a reason for policy failures or unresolved political issues.
Key Components of Political Will
- A sufficient set of decision makers involved in the decision-making and implementation process.
- A common understanding of the problem among these decision makers.
- Genuine commitment to supporting a solution, beyond mere lip service.
- Agreement on a policy solution that is perceived as potentially effective.
Importance and Complexity
Political will is important because it drives the actual implementation of policies rather than just their formulation. It is complex because it involves the aggregation of preferences and intentions among various political actors and is influenced by political contexts and institutional settings. Measuring political will can be challenging because it is often seen through the actions taken rather than explicitly stated.
