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Is there convergence in convergence research? an overview of empirical studies on policy convergence

Abstract In this review, we portray findings and conceptualizations of selected empirical studies on policy convergence and related concepts. The article reveals that there is no homogenous picture of policy convergence: Although frequently observed, empirical studies often disagree as to its extent. The representation of policy fields, geographical regions and periods analysed differ, which makes an overall assessment of policy convergence impossible. The comparability is further constrained by differences in the operationalization and research methods applied by scholars in this field. Whereas many studies concentrate on the analysis of causal factors for policy convergence, we argue that the degree and level of convergence also deserve attention.