ABSTRACT
The alternative scenarios presented at the end of chapter 3 starkly pose the question, what, if any, are the potentials of policymaking, and es pecially of central policymaking as considered in this book, even at its hypothetical best, to influence the realization of such and other futures? At stake is not less than the capacity of central minds of governments to influence historic processes and to intervene in historic momentum. This question does not prejudge the importance of studying policymaking un der adversity, which may be an interesting, theory-relevant, and illuminat ing subject independent from any impact potential of decision making on future realities.
