How can political conflict in adversarial policy networks promote their coordination?

This article advances a new and important perspective on networks, focusing on political conflicts rather than the mainstream focus on positive aspects such as trust, collaboration and cooperation. The aim of the research is to provide insights into the factors that intensify competition, and propose strategies that can mitigate its effects, thereby enhancing network coordination. It uses the case of local fracking policy networks in the US. Drawing on a range of policy theories, the research findings advance our understanding of the underlying factors contributing to dysfunctional political competition within adversarial policy networks and offer practical insights into their coordination.