State Autonomy & Democratic Accountability: The Politics of Hazardous Waste Policy

Abstract

This article explores the nature and extent of state autonomy and democratic accountability through a case study of Minnesota's attempt, from the late 1970s to 1990, to site a hazardous waste disposal facility. The study focuses in particular on the development of elite policy networks and efforts by citizens to control them. Drawing upon the distinction between state autonomy and capacity, the author argues that citizens have the ability to curb the state's capacity, i.e., the state's ability to implement its plans, but have limited opportunities and resources to influence the shape and direction of policy.