Identifying the Political Drivers of Quality Education

Abstract

This chapter consolidates findings from the country cases to offer insight into the politics of education reform. It argues that the education sector presents different resources and incentives to political elites, and as such, the political settlement has a direct bearing on the potential for, and delivery of, reforms. At a national level, political dominance can enable elites to overcome vested interests, but may prevent the emergence of coalitions for learning reforms. More competitive polities are more vulnerable to short-termism and vested interests. At the local level, an absence of political dominance combined with decentralisation can lead to innovative solutions to educational challenges. The strategic implications of the analysis presented include that learning reforms should be closely aligned to the dynamics of the political settlement, and underscore the importance of coalition building. Analysis should be sensitive to the sub-national political dynamics, and recognize the value of ‘best-fit’ local solutions.