Abstract
Actor-network theory suggests that those responsible for the operations of a
complex system have reason to defend the idea of the system’s stability in the
face of challengers who suggest the system may have problems. One form
this defence can take is the formation of a complex social network that
makes it difficult for challengers’ claims to be reasonably considered. This
paper illustrates the formation or activation of such a network of Icelandic
bankers, analysts, politicians, academics, business executives and newspapers,
as well as their rational and emotional public arguments, in defence of the
idea of the stability of the Icelandic banking system when challenged by the
Danske Bank report of 2006. The analysis shows why it was difficult for the
Danish challenge to receive a credible hearing among the Icelandic citizenry,
complex system have reason to defend the idea of the system’s stability in the
face of challengers who suggest the system may have problems. One form
this defence can take is the formation of a complex social network that
makes it difficult for challengers’ claims to be reasonably considered. This
paper illustrates the formation or activation of such a network of Icelandic
bankers, analysts, politicians, academics, business executives and newspapers,
as well as their rational and emotional public arguments, in defence of the
idea of the stability of the Icelandic banking system when challenged by the
Danske Bank report of 2006. The analysis shows why it was difficult for the
Danish challenge to receive a credible hearing among the Icelandic citizenry,
Original language | Icelandic |
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Journal | Stjórnmál & Stjórnsýsla. The Icelandic Review of Politics & Administration (IRPA) |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 161-184 |
Number of pages | 24 |
ISSN | 1670-6803 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |