This excellent book evaluates the 'new governance' in environmental policy. It compares the impacts of innovative policy initiatives in the US and Europe over the past decade. All of these initiatives sought to inject new dynamism into industrial environmental policy, by breaking with conventional regulation and emphasizing voluntarism, collaboration, and transparency. While the results are sobering, de Bruijn and Norberg-Bohm's broader conclusions are significant. Only by integrating new policy instruments with elements of coercion and obligation are such proposals likely to be successful. This important and timely book sets the standard for policy studies in the field.
Frans Berkhout, Professor of Innovation and Sustainability, Institute for Environmental Studies, Free University of Amsterdam
This excellent volume offers a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of new governance approaches in transantlantic comparison. It reveals the potentials and shortcomings of voluntary and persuasive instruments to achieve an encompassing ecological modernization.
Martin Janicke, Envinromental Policy Research Center, Free University Berlin
This is the first really useful book for teaching comparative environmental politics. The country studies are comprehensive andwell-written, and Desai reaches fascinating comparative conclusions. I recommend it highly.
Norman J. Vig, Professor Emeritus of Science, Technology and Society, Carleton College
Industrial Transformation provides an excellent assessment of the need for change in public policies, especially regulatory policies. It gives us good case studies, in a common format, of several important initiatives. The distinctions between the sector- and firm-based approaches is useful, as is the combination of U.S. and European initiatives. The book will provide an excellent resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, and should draw interest on both sides of the Atlantic.
Daniel J. Fiorino, American University
