Policy Community Research Articles

The German opposition question in British World War II strategy: interpreting Hugh Trevor-Roper’s wartime intelligence reporting

ABSTRACT What explains the British decision not to lend significant support to the internal German opposition to Hitler during World War II? Some historians have labelled the absence of aid to the German resistance as an intelligence failure. P.R.J. Winter and others instead accuse the British government of policy failure by highlighting the excellent efforts of Britain’s wartime radio intelligence team, led by Hugh Trevor-Roper. But by closely reading the key piece of evidence in this case for intelligence success, the ‘Canaris and Himmler’ report, and by placing that assessment in the broader context of Trevor-Roper’s intelligence reporting through the end of the war, we argue that Trevor-Roper’s team did not lay the analytical groundwork for a shift in British strategy. Trevor-Roper neither appreciated nor conveyed to British policymakers the existence and strength of the German opposition, and he denigrated the opposition’s central hub, the Abwehr. This can be classed as a significant intelligence failure. Nevertheless, we also suggest that the intelligence versus policy failure framing of the German opposition question is something of a false dichotomy, as Whitehall’s intelligence and policy communities operated under a shared set of assumptions and reinforced each other’s beliefs about the appropriateness of British strategy.

Комунікаційні стратегії в державному управлінні: стан реалізації та проблеми

The article defines the current state of implementation of communication strategies by public administration bodies in Ukraine and identifies systemic problems. An analysis of the positive aspects and shortcomings in the development and implementation of communication strategies in the field of public administration is provided, as well as the requirements and factors that have a more significant impact on the content of communication processes in public administration are determined. The favorable perception of the public sphere was influenced not only by the information space formed by the Ukrainian mass media and officials, but also by the informational messages of Russian propaganda. The author provides suggestions for improving the communication strategy in the public sphere. It was established that when developing communication strategies, public authorities should ensure the reduction of uncertainty and the risk of failure when making strategic management decisions. It was determined that the essence of the interaction of public authorities with target audiences is to ensure an effective state policy and adaptation of state reforms to possible future changes in the external environment. Achieving these tasks is possible by: increasing citizens’ trust in state institutions and improving their image; raising citizens’ awareness of the processes taking place in state institutions; ensuring active participation of citizens in the processes of making management decisions and establishing feedback; establishing cooperation with national and international mass media, it is emphasized that this is impossible without improving the public sector, strengthening the presence of public institutions at the international level, optimizing internal communication and information exchange in public institutions. The development of relations with the public as a new social institution for Ukrainian society, bodies of public authority and local self-government, that is, the creation of conditions for ensuring communication with the community and significant participation of the community in solving local problems, defining the conceptual apparatus, principles and rules of institutional analysis, and as well as identifying the rules used by local self-government bodies. Keywords: communications in public administration, information, strategic communications, communication risks, communication channels, communication policy, communication infrastructure.

Navigating secondary school: A perspective from trans and non‐binary activists

AbstractGender expansive youth, including trans and non‐binary (TNB) individuals, encounter unique challenges in educational contexts, often marked by hostility, exclusion, and discrimination. This research, adopting the social justice youth development (SJYD) framework, aims to investigate the challenges experienced in Italian secondary schools, amplifying the voices of TNB activists. A total of 15 activists (average age 23.8), comprising 5 trans men, 2 trans women and 8 non‐binary individuals, were recruited. Most identified as White Italian, with one of Italian‐African descent and one multiracial. Interviews collected participants' perceptions of barriers and areas for improvement in school contexts. Reflexive thematic analysis confirmed schools as challenging contexts for TNB identities, highlighting critical flaws in the educational system, such as macro‐ and micro‐aggressions, insufficient knowledge among teachers and staff to support gender expansive students, and a tendency to systematically exclude LGBTQIA+ culture‐related content from curricula. Participants reported engaging in individual and collective activism, striving to adapt and transform educational environments into inclusive spaces for gender identity exploration. Activism stemmed from a sense of responsibility to enhance the well‐being and recognition of the TNB community. Practical implications for school community practices and policies, informed by the SJYD framework in dialogue with participants' experiences, are proposed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

An exploration of the social determinants of the health and well-being among older African immigrants living in San Diego. A socio-ecological approach

Background As immigration continues to be a global phenomenon, the number of aging immigrants will increase. There is a knowledge gap in the United States on the social determinants of health among older immigrants, especially the older refugee population. We aimed to explore the social determinants of health among older African immigrants living in San Diego, California, and to suggest strategies that can inform the design of health-promoting interventions. Methods We employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 11 participants (nine females and two males). We used deductive thematic analysis to explore and analyse the factors that influence their health and well-being based on the five levels of the socio-ecological model (individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy). Results Participants were aged between 62 and 90 years; eight participants had arrived as refugees. Thematic analysis resulted in the following themes within the five levels: individual (pre-migration and migration experiences and impact on health, aging-related health decline, sedentary lifestyle, side effects of medications,language barrier); interpersonal (social support and social participation); organizational (access to healthcare and support services, transportation, - disruption to services due to COVID-19, perception of healthcare and support services); community (social, emotional and practical support, connecting older adults to services) and public policy (financial barriers, immigration policies and legal status). Conclusions Given the distinct linguistic and cultural backgrounds coupled with the unique health needs of our study participants, there is a need for diverse and complementary interventions that seek to build a sense of community and social support for older adults. Such interventions ought to be co-developed with immigrant communities and local organizations to ensure cultural acceptability and effectiveness. Crucially needed are immigration policies that consider the unique situation of older immigrants from low-income backgrounds to ensure equitable access to health and social care services.

Factors of influence on flood risk perceptions related to Hurricane Dorian: an assessment of heuristics, time dynamics, and accuracy of risk perceptions

Abstract. Flood damage caused by hurricanes is expected to rise globally due to climate and socio-economic change. Enhanced flood preparedness among the coastal population is required to reverse this trend. The decisions and actions taken by individuals are thought to be influenced by risk perceptions. This study investigates the determinants that shape flood risk perceptions and the factors that drive flood risk misperceptions of coastal residents. We conducted a survey among 871 residents in flood-prone areas in Florida during a 5 d period in which the respondents were threatened to be flooded by Hurricane Dorian. This approach allows us to assess temporal dynamics in flood risk perceptions during an evolving hurricane threat. Among 255 of the same households, a follow-up survey was conducted to examine how flood risk perceptions varied after Hurricane Dorian failed to make landfall in Florida. Our results show that the flood experience and social norms have the most consistent relationship with flood risk perceptions. Furthermore, participants indicated that their level of worry regarding the dangers of flooding decreased after the near-miss of Hurricane Dorian compared to their feelings of worry during the hurricane event. Based on our findings, we offer recommendations for improving flood risk communication policies.

Participatory evaluation: Generating community in a gentrified territory

ABSTRACT The process of gentrification encompasses numerous social, demographic, urbanistic, and economic consequences, among others. The majority of these outcomes are negative and demonstrate little consideration for the community and the territory in which they transpire. This paper presents a case study of a community project in a gentrified area of Palma (Balearic Islands – Spain), aimed at mitigating these consequences through community organization and empowerment. The article seeks to assess the subjective impact of the Intercultural Community Intervention Project and explore barriers to promoting participatory community development in gentrified locales. Findings indicate improvements incommunity networks and its responsiveness to social challenges, yet underscore difficulties in engaging the higher socio-economic status population . Another concern is the need for a technical team to sustain the community-driven process. In conclusion, community policies are recommended to empower the populace in addressing the social repercussions of gentrification by fostering spaces for participation and facilitating shared decision-making.

Building Customer Loyalty in Online Business Models

Online business models are developing rapidly and market competition is intensifying. Customer loyalty and consumer willingness are declining across many industries. Customer loyalty is a decisive factor affecting a company's long-term profits. Market share measured by customer loyalty is more meaningful than market share measured by the number of customers. At the same time, corporate managers have shifted the focus of marketing management to improving customer loyalty, allowing companies to gain advantages in fierce competition. To build customer loyalty, it is important to use the right customer loyalty tools, which means the significant question for companies is which tool to choose. Therefore, this paper aimed to address the issues that how to design customer loyalty in online business models. To achieve this goal, this paper first illustrated the basics of customer loyalty and online business models. Then, relevant customer loyalty tools were selected and evaluated from contracts, products, communication and distribution policies to better build customer loyalty in online business models. This paper found that customer analysis and competitive analysis can also be evaluated as customer loyalty-oriented theories. Finally, the case of Amazon was also studied in the paper specifically, combining theory with practice to build customer loyalty in an online business model.

Barriers to resident participation in tree-planting initiatives across a metropolitan area

Past research on barriers to the development and implementation of green infrastructure (GI) has examined the experiences of policy makers and community leaders, with a focus on planting or installing GI. However, many of these programs rely on participation from the public — especially residents — who often steward GI over the long-term on both public and private lands. To better understand the barriers experienced by primary stewards of GI, we conducted 93 intercept interviews with residents spanning four neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia and in four nearby suburban municipalities with active TPIs. Selected neighborhoods and towns included areas with varied canopy cover and economically and racially diverse communities. We found that residents viewed trees as a neighborhood asset, yet they also identified multiple categories of barriers across the tree lifecycle, including physical, maintenance, aesthetic, knowledge, and environmental issues. Our study also reveals the convergence and divergence of barriers experienced across city and suburban neighborhoods based on contextual factors. Our results suggest that barriers to participation in TPIs are multi-dimensional, context-specific, and endure across the lifecycle of GI. Long-term maintenance concerns relate to tree care that is outside the purview of TPIs led by non-profit organizations. Advancing equitable urban forestry that reaches neighborhoods with the greatest need requires recognition and respect of resident and community experiences, needs, and land use priorities, as well as improved institutional collaboration.

Addressing Plastic Concern: Behavioral Insights into Recycled Plastic Products and Packaging in a Circular Economy

The excessive production and use of new plastic materials pose a critical environmental challenge, and reducing its consumption has emerged as a major global hurdle. Understanding human behavior is thus essential for creating a circular economy for plastics. The study aims to gain insights into consumers' buying habits concerning recycled plastic, which has received relatively little attention in prior research on the subject of environmentally friendly consumer behavior. This study draws on the Theory of Planned Behavior to analyze the factors influencing consumer behavior regarding products and packaging made from recycled plastic. To this end, we employed a questionnaire, which was administered to 511 consumers in Italy. Results support that concerns about plastics and perceived efficacy exert a direct influence on attitudes. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that social norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control significantly shape purchasing behaviors concerning recycled plastic. The research contributes to extending the Theory of Planned Behavior model in predicting environmental-friendly behavior by adding new empirical evidence and provides valuable suggestions for companies to develop effective communication strategies and policies to redirect plastic consumption behavior towards less-impacting use of plastic.

Assessing the predictability of the Bank of Russia decisions on the key rate and informational advantage in its forecasting

The communication policy of central banks plays a significant role in setting the expectations of economic agents. If key rate decisions are inconsistent with market expectations, managing expectations and anchoring inflation expectations may be difficult. We assess the predictability of the Bank of Russia’s key rate decisions over the 2021—2023 period in two ways: using media surveys of analysts and shifts in the Russian government bond index and the daily volatility of its yield. The results show a significant impact of unexpected key rate decisions on Russian government bond prices and daily volatility. Then, using statistical metrics computed from macroeconomic survey data and another linear and piecewise linear model, we find the informational advantage of the Bank of Russia in predicting the key rate. The decisions unexpected for the market are explained by the information advantage of the Bank of Russia, as well as the realization of geopolitical and inflation risks in the period under study. Thus, we conclude that there is a need to improve the quality of communication regarding future decisions. As the communication policy develops, the predictability of the Bank of Russia’s decisions on the key rate will increase. In turn, economic agents and market participants will adapt to the expected decisions in advance, which will accelerate the achievement of the inflation target and the adjustment of inflation expectations.

Communication of Higher Education Institutions in Vietnam

Communication of higher education institutions are significant in implementing strategic goals and improving institutional governance efficiency; provide students updated information to make appropriate choices and decisions during their learning process; and promptly feedback to contribute to building a better educational and training environment. Communication tools used in higher education institutions are diverse in forms and contents. This studies focuses on two key points, which are policy communications and internal communications implemented by higher education institutions. The theoretical framework has been developed and a survey was conducted to collect opinions of 300 senior students from 3 universities under Hanoi National University, including: University of Foreign Languages; University of Economics; University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The results show that the policy communications of these higher education institutions are not effectively implemented. The findings suggest innovations for managers to improve communication effectiveness to achieve strategic goals and improve governance efficiency in these higher education institutions.

Troubling complaint: Addressing hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination through complaint mechanisms.

The need to grapple with hepatitis C-related stigma and discrimination in Australian health-care settings has been recognised in public policy, and work is underway to address it. But how likely are people to raise a complaint when they experience stigma or discrimination? And how effective and accessible are complaints mechanisms? Given complaint procedures are considered important parts of the delivery of safe and ethical health care, these are important questions that have yet to be substantially explored. Drawing on interviews with people with lived experience of hepatitis C (n=30), this article considers how affected people feel about complaints processes and the act of complaining. Alongside these perspectives, we discuss complaint mechanisms, and the views of stakeholders who work with hepatitis C-affected communities in policy, health, legal and advocacy roles (n=30) on the institutional and cultural dynamics of complaint. We draw on Sara Ahmed's Complaint! and Fraser etal.'s work on drug-related stigma to analyse these concerns that have yet to be researched, and argue that the (unlikely) prospect of successful complaint is a key part of the network of forces that perpetuate stigma, discrimination and disadvantage among people who have (lived with) hepatitis C. Although people with lived experience are often powerful advocates and acutely aware of the deficiencies in the quality of their treatment, our interviews suggest that the obstacles they face to accessing health care are seen as commonplace, intractable and insurmountable; and, that mechanisms for addressing them-where they exist at all-treat complaints in narrowly individualising terms and expose complainants to dismissal. Following Ahmed, we call for a 'troubling' of complaints-responding to them not as individual problems but rather as collective, structural concerns, necessitating new approaches.

Empowering Diversity: Edu-Ecotourism as a Platform for Multicultural Islamic Education Value in Coastal Communities

This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the process of Empowering Diversity: Edu- Ecotourism as a Platform for Multicultural Islamic Education Value in Coastal Communities in the Mandaran neighborhood money village community (community of the Mandaran hamlet, Pesisir village, Besuki sub-district, Situbondo district). In order to obtain valid research data, research was carried out using a qualitative approach and case ethnography type. The research was conducted in the Mandaran neighborhood money village community (the Mandaran hamlet community, Pesisir village, Besuki sub-district, Situbondo district) for six months from January 2023 to June 2023. The data collection technique used the snowball sampling technique. The data sources used were primary and secondary. Data collection techniques using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique uses the Spredly model with four steps: domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, component analysis, and theme analysis. The results of the field research found that the process of process of Empowering Diversity: Edu-Ecotourism as a Platform for Multicultural Islamic Education Value in Coastal Communities in the Mandaran neighborhood money village community (community of the Mandaran hamlet, Pesisir village, Besuki sub-district, Situbondo d is organizationally, namely formulating the association's vision, mission and goals, in terms of understanding, namely formulate community regulations and policies, and in implementation, namely building a Gazebo as a center for activities, edu-eco-tourism activities, religious activities, social-community activities, and role models.

Communication as a Key Performance Indicator in Employer Branding in the Context of the Social Economy-A Quantitative Study.

Performance measurement refers to the systematic evaluation and analysis of the performance and results of business processes, initiatives, or strategies. This study discusses the crucial role of communication using signaling theory in employer branding in the context of the social economy organization (SEO). The aim is to measure employee satisfaction in concrete terms and to determine the status quo of the communication culture of the organization under investigation in order to develop an employer branding strategy based on the results. The authors use an employee survey as a quantitative research method and limit the data collection to the EU member state of Germany considering the research background. The results provide insights into the specific communication policy in relation to employer branding. The focus here is on (digital) communication. Organizations need to understand how communication strategies directly influence the perception of the employer brand in the social economy. Furthermore, practical implications are derived in order to increase employer attractiveness. Concrete recommendations of action for SEOs should help them be successful in the competition for qualified specialists and talent.

Occupation, risk culture, and risk perception: empirical evidence from China on COVID-19

Understanding the differences in risk perception among various groups is crucial for policy development, and the cultural theory of risk provides significant insights into these group variations. Utilising data from Mainland China during the COVID-19 pandemic, we constructed a structural model that encompasses occupational background, risk culture, and risk perception, examining the interplay between these elements. Our findings reveal that risk culture, as initially conceptualised by Mary Douglas, acts as a mediating factor between occupational roles and the differences in risk perception, offering a deeper understanding of how diverse risk perceptions are shaped across distinct demographic groups. This study underscores the importance of considering cultural factors in risk perception and provides valuable guidance for the development of targeted risk communication and intervention policies.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Cultural Identity and Acculturation in The Context of Global Migration

Objective: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries during global migration, providing insights into migrant experiences, discrimination, and acculturation processes, aiming for policymakers' understanding. Theoretical Framework: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries through a framework incorporating acculturation theories, cultural identity studies, and migration and discrimination literature. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of migrant communities' experiences and interactions with host cultures, shedding light on the complexities of identity formation. Method: The research uses a mixed-methods approach to study cultural identity and acculturation among migrant communities in Asian countries. It uses a purposive sampling strategy, collects data through surveys, interviews, and cultural analysis tools. The findings are integrated using statistical techniques and analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations are followed to protect participants' rights and confidentiality. This approach provides nuanced insights into the experiences and challenges faced by migrants in diverse cultural contexts. Results: The study explores the cultural identity and acculturation of migrant communities in Asian countries, revealing diverse patterns and factors like residence, socioeconomic status, and social support networks. It also highlights discrimination and the resilience of migrant communities in navigating cultural transitions. The findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to migrant populations, promoting cultural diversity and inclusive practices. Implications of the research: The research provides evidence-based insights for policymakers to develop culturally sensitive policies for migrant communities, promoting social cohesion. Social integration initiatives can tailor programs to meet migrant needs, raise awareness of discrimination, inform further research, empower migrant communities, and foster cultural exchange. The findings underscore the importance of addressing migrant challenges and promoting equity, dignity, and social justice. Originality/value: This research focuses on Asian migration patterns, offering unique insights into cultural identity and acculturation. It uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies. The mixed-methods design provides nuanced understanding of migrant experiences. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and community organizations, promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity.

ORGANISATION OF MARKETING ACTIVITIES IN AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

The aim of the article is to identify the characteristics of the introduction and development of marketing activities in agricultural enterprises in order to increase the efficiency of their activities. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a systematic approach to the study of economic phenomena and processes related to the marketing activities of agricultural enterprises. In formulating theoretical generalisations and formulating conclusions and proposals, the paper uses historical, abstract and logical, and monographic methods. Forecasting of indicators characterising the marketing potential of enterprise in the context of increasing labour productivity at enterprises, market parameters and substantiation of the choice of marketing strategy of agricultural producers is carried out using the methods of extrapolation and economic forecasting. The article uses general scientific and special research methods: abstraction and comparison, analysis and synthesis, graphical methods, deduction, economic and mathematical modelling, observation and comparison, and the logical method. The results of the study show that marketing instruments include methods of its implementation, i.e., advertising, sales, customer service, pricing policy, study of needs and demand, communication with consumers and the public. Calculation of a comprehensive indicator of efficiency of marketing activity of enterprises is an important direction of assessment of the status and level of development of the marketing complex at enterprise. The indicator makes it possible to promptly identify and eliminate deviations in achieving goals and fulfilling tasks, which affects the overall performance of the enterprise. The results of the study are presented in the form of tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts. Practical implications. Since the marketing activity of an agricultural enterprise is multifaceted, it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness in the following areas: efficiency of implementation of marketing functions, implementation of the marketing complex and use of marketing resources. In order to assess the level of efficiency of marketing activities, it is necessary to analyse both strategic and tactical aspects of the agricultural enterprise. Value/originality. An important component of ensuring marketing activities in the agricultural market is the communication policy of the enterprise. A modern system for assessing the effectiveness of marketing activities should take into account the possibility of disseminating information via the Internet, which is an indispensable tool for obtaining up-to-date marketing information.

Machine learning-Based Energy Efficient and Enhancing Communication Reliability for MANETs of Balanced Less Loss Routing Protocol

The aim of the presented research was the utilization of machine learning methods, for example, SOM, MARL, and DQN, to promote the increase of energy efficiency and communication reliability in MANET. For the purpose of the research conduction, 10 trials of the experiment were carried out with the view to establish the performance of the proposed approaches from various perspectives. DQN demonstrated superior performance throughout all experiment trials as compared to both SOM and MARL. The model recorded an average energy efficiency of 95%, indicating that it was highly successful in optimizing routing strategies and communication policies. Furthermore, the average packet delivery ratio was shown to be 96%, meaning that DQN provided guarantees of timely and reliable data exchange across the MANET infrastructure. Finally, the average delay was determined to be from 4 ms to 9 ms, evidencing the quick delivery of packets with little temporal latency. The results obtained demonstrate that DQN is able to alleviate the challenges associated with the energy efficiency and communication reliability of MANETs. Notably, deep reinforcement learning with DQN appears to offer viable solutions for more energy-efficient routing, minimized energy consumption in these networks, and improvement to their communication reliability. Thus, the study under consideration has contributed to the development of the existing knowledge as it has expanded the existing understanding of the fact that machine learning, in general, and DQN, in particular, can be utilized to optimize the operation of MANETs.

The Role of Tangguh Development Projects in Achieving Welfare for the Papuan Community

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine and analyze the role of the Tangguh Development Project in realizing the welfare of the Papuan people. Methods: Describe the methodology used in the study, such as data collection methods, analysis techniques, and any relevant frameworks or theories employed to assess the impact of the Tangguh Development Project on Papuan welfare. This could involve surveys, interviews, case studies, or statistical analysis. Results and Discussion: Present the findings of the study regarding the role of the Tangguh Development Project in promoting the welfare of the Papuan people. Discuss the positive impacts, if any, as well as any shortcomings or challenges faced by BP Tangguh in fulfilling its commitments. Analyze the discrepancies between BP's claims and the actual conditions on the ground, particularly in the economic sector. Implications of the Research: Discuss the implications of the findings for various stakeholders, including BP Tangguh, the Indonesian government, local communities in Papua, and environmental advocacy groups. Address the potential socio-economic, environmental, and political implications of the Tangguh Development Project on Papuan welfare and broader regional development. Originality/Value: Highlight the original contributions of the study to the existing literature on corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, and resource extraction projects in indigenous or marginalized communities. Emphasize the value of the research in informing future policy decisions, corporate practices, and community engagement strategies aimed at promoting inclusive development and equitable distribution of benefits from resource projects like the Tangguh Development Project.

Understanding health system resilience in responding to COVID-19 pandemic: experiences and lessons from an evolving context of federalization in Nepal

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience capacities of health systems worldwide and highlighted the need to understand the concept, pathways, and elements of resilience in different country contexts. In this study, we assessed the health system response to COVID-19 in Nepal and examined the processes of policy formulation, communication, and implementation at the three tiers of government, including the dynamic interactions between tiers. Nepal was experiencing the early stages of federalization reform when COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, and clarity in roles and capacity to implement functions were the prevailing challenges, especially among the subnational governments.MethodsWe adopted a cross-sectional exploratory design, using mixed methods. We conducted a desk-based review of all policy documents introduced in response to COVID-19 from January to December 2020, and collected qualitative data through 22 key informant interviews at three tiers of government, during January-March 2021. Two municipalities were purposively selected for data collection in Lumbini province. Our analysis is based on a resilience framework that has been developed by our research project, ReBUILD for Resilience, which helps to understand pathways to health system resilience through absorption, adaptation and transformation.ResultsIn the newly established federal structure, the existing emergency response structure and plans were utilized, which were yet to be tested in the decentralized system. The federal government effectively led the policy formulation process, but with minimal engagement of sub-national governments. Local governments could not demonstrate resilience capacities due to the novelty of the federal system and their consequent lack of experience, confusion on roles, insufficient management capacity and governance structures at local level, which was further aggravated by the limited availability of human, technical and financial resources.ConclusionsThe study findings emphasize the importance of strong and flexible governance structures and strengthened capacity of subnational governments to effectively manage pandemics. The study elaborates on the key areas and pathways that contribute to the resilience capacities of health systems from the experience of Nepal. We draw out lessons that can be applied to other fragile and shock-prone settings.