Analysis of official discourses on state reform initiatives in Costa Rica and their implications on state capacities (1990-2013).

Abstract

INVESTIGATES THE MAIN PROPOSALS FOR REFORM OF THE COSTA RICAN STATE IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. THESE PROPOSALS ARE DERIVED FROM INSTITUTIONAL REPORTS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEBATE ON HOW TO IMPROVE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSALS IS CARRIED OUT FROM A STATE CAPABILITIES APPROACH AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF MATRIXES AND IDEOLOGICAL MAPS THAT ALLOW GROUPING THE PROPOSALS AND EXTRACTING MAIN TRENDS. AN EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE DISCOURSES RELATED TO EFFICIENCY, REGULATION AND THE PLACE OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES IN THE REFORM. NEW LINES OF RESEARCH AND PROPOSALS FOR PUBLIC DEBATE ARE PROPOSED.