First of all you need some sort of framework for the comparative analysis. This can be derived from the literature - and there is a lot of it, both textbooks and articles such as this one

http://pdc.ceu.hu/archive/00006845/

Then you need to do a summary of the key features of policies in the two countries and what are the effective elements. E.g. in the UK increased cooperation between the police and social services has been highly effective. Remember that policies are not all written down in a formal sense but also include protocols, standard practices etc. Use a standard definition of policy such as Koontz and Weirich.

Where you go next depends on the key focus of the analysis. If outcomes (e.g. measured by deaths of victims per 100,000 popn) is key, focus on that. Look for the variations and commonalities between countries and what seems to work. Try to analyse why it does work and which bits of the policy have evolved in a rational way. Try to explain the differences between countries. Not all the arguments can be data based - you must look at the culture of countries, structures and bureaucratic systems. Remember that academic analysis of policies is often fundamentally flawed as academics tends to forget that "politics is the art of the possible" as Harold Wilson put it - in other words what will work in real societies rather than ideal ones.

This can be very complex so my suggestion would be to work within a simple framework looking at key features of policy only and comparing and contrasting these with a focus on outcomes. But it depends on the focus of your course - e.g. if it is more political you will need to focus on the political genesis of the current policies. I could say a lot more but not sure it will help! Good luck!

Good day,

This is very important question. My suggestion is that you look for this book as it is very helpful in providing methodological perspectives for comparative studies.

Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Comparative Policy AnalysisB. Guy Peters, Guillaume Fontaine

Additionally, in a recent paper I published I suggest that we should use the policy documents themselves as a basis of analysis.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10699-021-09782-5

In the paper I suggest that one aspect of policies that are ubiquitous across nations is their policy. So, analysing two policies using the policy document as the lynchpin can provide you with a good place to start. And thereafter you can include data from the environment (it's implementation effectiveness).

Additionally, as our colleague has suggested you look at other variables that could impact the policies in their respective environments. Such as culture etc.

I hope this helps.

All the very best,

Guswin

as our esteemed colleague says it is a very good idea to look at the stated aims of the policy as a starting point, but always consider that some aims of policy are often unstated e.g. PR, political gain, gaining the support of key stakeholders etc

thank you so much from both of you! i really appreciate your answers and will take into consideration the points you have both stated. just a little bit more background on my question. due to albania being more corrupt, i have also included how culture and traditions affect domestic abuse occurring so often in the country, this is mainly through "the kanun law" which is the customary law of albania. men were and are still more dominant over their wives and so on. i was wondering maybe you both might know any academic sources which could connect to this. my course is criminology in university.

i also was just thinking how i could write up my methodology if you have any advice linking to my question. i am also not sure how many policies i should look at in each country to then compare.

thank you both for your time!

If you want to study to policy maker behavior, regarding, send to my email. [email protected] / [email protected]