The Multiple Streams Framework: Foundations, Refinements, and Empirical Applications

Abstract

With rising ambiguity and turbulence in global affairs, the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) is fast becoming a major tool with which to analyze the policy process. The MSF's basic assumptions deal with ambiguity, time constraints, problematic preferences, unclear technology, fluid participation, and stream independence. This chapter presents the state of MSF thinking, including many innovations that have been suggested in the recent surge of MSF literature. It provides an up-to-date presentation and discussion of the framework from which scholars may begin MSF empirical applications or theoretical refinements. The chapter outlines the main assumptions of the MSF before presenting several structural elements of the framework. It discusses how MSF is applied to other stages of the policy process because the MSF was originally developed for the analysis of agenda setting processes. The chapter discusses the question of how the framework is applied empirically in different contexts and how it has to be adapted accordingly.