Ideas and Politics

Bureaucratic Politics Making compromises is something an individual must contend with every day, either at home, at work, or any other social environment. This is especially true for politicians. A politician must reach a consensus point with several parties to reach their end goal. Consensus comes at a price; a political actor makes sacrifices and dilutes their original idea, in order to gain a greater chance of success. However, a politician who refuses to compromise might not achieve the same frequency or level of success, but their principals remain intact.

This notion can be applied to institutions and bureaucracy. Drezner argues, in Ideas, Bureaucratic Politics, and the Crafting of Foreign Policy, that idea driven or "missionary" institutions that are structurally insulated from the influence of other establishments possess a greater probability of surviving in a method constant with their founding ideas (733). On the other hand, embedded institutions or bureaucracies are less likely to maintain their ideational mission, but if they manage to survive, have a greater likelihood of thriving.

Drezner examines this notion by looking at the United States Peace Corps and the State Department's Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (HA), institutions that are actors on the international front. Drezner looks at foreign affair institutions because the placement of institutions in the foreign-policy structure helps to define their capacity to survive and thrive. Drezner defines a missionary institution's survival as maintaining its organizational integrity and advancing its founding principles even after their political patrons lose power (736).

A missionary establishment thrives if the principles and ideas of the organization are closely compatible with state's policy results. An institution can survive and thrive for a multitude of reasons. Insulated organizations have the benefits of independence and resource distribution. These agencies can make decisions about their staff and budget, minimizing external influences (736). This also increases the ability of the institution to hire employees that are reflective of their core principles. The founding ideas are crucial to an insulated missionary institution. It creates a strong and unified organization.

Drezner defines organizational culture "consists of the method through which desired ends and means are communicated from managers to operators and outsiders"(736-737). These same strengths can actually hinder an insulated organization's chances to thrive. Insulation keeps an institution from spreading its influence and therefore, policy. Furthermore, different organizational cultures will hinder the exchange of different ideas. Bureaucracies with different cultures, according to Drezner, will distrust the ability of other institutions to contribute to policy (737). Competing organizations will seek to limit the extent of the other's influence.

A strong organizational culture heightens the difficulty of compromise. As Drezner writes, "compromise implies the acceptance of other beliefs and values, which can prove anathema to bureaucrats who genuinely believe that their ideas are superior" (737). Institutional leaders must carefully analyze the benefits of compromise, as any deal that goes against the organization's values will hurt morale. On other hand, an embedded agency has their unique set of advantages and disadvantages. An embedded organization has greater access to resources and information.

They also possess the ability to influence other organizations to their unique point-of-view. They can bargain and increase their clout while promoting their own agenda. However, embedded organizations are not at liberty to create their own organizational culture especially if they are within a larger bureaucratic organization with their own beliefs and norms. Agency leaders cannot build an organizational culture consistent with their founding principles. However, this gives them more leeway in regards to making compromises. Drezner uses the Peace Corps as the primary example of an insulated missionary institution.

It was created with the founding notions of reducing poverty and promoting development through direct action (740). This insulation created a strong organizational culture that would stay true to its principles. It had some successes during its formative years, sending volunteers all over the world, particularly throughout Asia and Africa. Their dedication to their beliefs.