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Politicized expertise – an analysis of the political dimensions of consultants' policy recommendations to developing countries with a case study of McKinsey's advice on REDD+ policies

This article argues that expertise must be seen as politicized. Most of the existing research on the role of experts in policy-making neglects that there are many political factors which influence what and whose expertise is sought and used. This article looks at the role consultants play in shaping public policy in developing countries. Applying concepts from different disciplines a theoretical framework is developed to examine in what ways such politicized expertise undermines notions of neutrality and legitimacy. This framework is then applied to a case study looking at the advice that McKinsey & Company has given developing countries on their deforestation and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation policies.