Policy, governing and politicality

This Forum contribution takes a critical look at 'policy', 'policymaking' and 'governing' as key concepts in policy studies. I briefly peruse the historical etymology of 'policy' to unearth root meanings that, jointly, make up the 'signature' of policy in the language used by observers, practitioners and citizens. Next, I discuss the relation between 'policy' and 'governing'. In a normative conclusion I reflect on the possibility of problematisation as source for a less depoliticised, more democratic post policy centered way of governing.