Quelles normes nationales de qualité de l’eau potable pour l’exportation ? La signalisation comme mécanisme de diffusion de politiques publiques

Abstract

This article studies the evolution of Chilean drinking-water quality regulations relative to the presence of copper. It analyses more specifically to which extent the weight of copper production in the Chilean economy (for instance with its boom) and the diffusion of international standards have influenced this evolution. Based on a systematic review of archives, a process-tracing analysis shows not only that learning and interest groups have played an important role, but also that public policies can be adopted in consideration of their signaling power (this is to say their possible future dissemination abroad). The identification of this causal mechanism of signaling contributes to the literature on public policy diffusion.

Keywords

• water
• public policy
• Chile
• diffusion
• copper