The tangled webs of Westminster and Whitehall: The discourse, strategy andpractice of networking within the British core executive

In this paper we identify and seek to resolve a certain paradox in the exis ting literature on networks and networking. Whilst earlier policy network p erspectives have tended to emphasize the structural character of networks a s durable, dense and relatively static organization forms, the more recent strategic network literature emphasizes the flexible, adaptive and dynamic quality of networking as a social and political practice. However, neither perspective has yet developed a theory of network formation, evolution, tra nsformation and termination. In this paper, we seek to rectify this omissio n, advancing a 'strategic relational' theory of network dynamics based on a rethinking of the concept of network itself. We illustrate this perspectiv e with respect to the policy process centred in and around Westminster and Whitehall, drawing on a series of semi-structured interviews with ministers and officials from four departments.