Policy termination revisited: theories, processes, and political dynamics

Abstract This article revisits the concept of policy termination, a largely overlooked yet critical phase in the policy process. While early policy cycle models included termination as a distinct stage, contemporary frameworks often omit it, reflecting its marginalization in policy scholarship. This article argues for the renewed relevance of policy termination, distinguishing it from related concepts like policy dismantling, and framing it as a specific form of policy change—namely, cessation. Drawing on foundational and contemporary literature, the article explores the conditions under which termination occurs, the actors and coalitions involved, the role of institutions and ideas, and the feedback effects that shape both the process and aftermath of termination. It highlights the inherently political nature of termination, emphasizing the influence of ideologies, strategic framing, and institutional constraints. The article also addresses the underexplored post-termination phase, considering the durability of termination decisions and their broader impacts. By integrating insights from policy change theories, the article lays the groundwork for a more robust research agenda on policy termination. It introduces the contributions of a special issue dedicated to advancing this field.