The Relational Paradigm: A Multilevel Process of Continuous Interaction

Abstract

Politics, as presented in this book, is about relationships among significant clusters of citizens to solve public problems in a cumulative, multilevel, and open-ended process of continuous interaction over time in whole bodies politic across permeable borders, either within or between communities or countries. The focus of this statement is the process of continuous interaction among citizens at all levels—not only governments, not just institutions, not a linear series of actions and reactions. It is different from the institution-centered paradigm described in chapter one. I call this approach the “relational paradigm.”