Policy as State Self-Presentation Action: What Information the State is Communicating through Policies

State policies are state efforts to shape its relationship with society and maintain the political order. In this process, the interpretive effect of information is an important mechanism. However, the key question remains: what information is the state communicating through its policies? Previous studies on policy contents and policy discourses have offered valuable insights for this question, but have not fully explored the state’s symbolic logic. Discursive practice theory suggests that policies are state self-presentation actions, through which the state builds its identity and its relationship with society. A critical discourse analysis of China’s anti-corruption policies indicates that the state systematically employs problem-definition, solution-selection, implementation-decision, and outcome-evaluation discourses, to present itself as (1) a tenacious defender of public interests, (2) a rational responder to tough problems, (3) a powerful warrior against stubborn enemies, and (4) a progressive achiever in changing circumstances. Understanding the nature of public policies as state self-presentation action can enhance understanding of the policy-making process and the political effects of public policies. It can also facilitate the practice of policy analysts.