Abstract

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Hyperlink network analysis, which utilizes the links between websites to map online communication structures, offers an emerging methodology for studying the networks of supporters and opponents of public policies. Reasons for the methodology's appeal include the ability to utilize web crawlers to collect large amounts of data and the ability to apply quantitative and qualitative methods to examine network interactions. While the methodology has been utilized by diverse disciplines it is relatively new to the fields of political science and public policy. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, this article examines the applicability of using hyperlink networks to study opposing groups in the Colorado climate and energy policy subsystem while drawing increased attention to the methodology's strengths and weaknesses. The results demonstrate the methodology's considerable potential, but highlight the need for greater adoption of a collection of best practices designed to increase the validity, reliability, and generalizability of hyperlink research.While networks are inherently traditional forms of social organization, they have recently been empowered by the emergence of Internet-based information and communication tools (Castells, 2000). Online networks provide individuals and organizations with a low transaction-cost tool that allows them to mobilize supporters and disseminate policy ideas in a more efficient manner than through traditional networks (Birkland, 2011;McNutt, 2006). These networks provide an especially powerful tool to policy actors, individuals who possess expertise within a policy domain and utilize this expertise to influence policy decisions (Zaller, 1992). One approach for examining the online networks of policy actors is hyperlink network analysis, which utilizes the links between websites (known as a hyperlink) to map communication structures on the Internet (Park, 2003). Hyperlinks serve as the basic structural element of the Internet (Park, 2003) and allow policy actors to link their websites in a multitude of ways, including exchanging information, directing users to the websites of ally organizations, or drawing attention to the actions of their opponents.Hyperlink networks analysis is an emerging methodology that uses traditional social network analysis to study the online relations that exist among individuals or organizations (Jackson, 1997;Park & Thelwall, 2003). A hyperlink network is comprised of a collection of nodes in the form of websites, with the hyperlinks between websites representing the network ties. Contributing factors to the appeal of using hyperlink networks include the ability to utilize web crawlers to collect large amounts of data to map the relationships between network actors (Margetts, 2009) and to apply both quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine interactions within the network. After identifying a set of starting points and entering a series of parameters, web crawler software is used to collect detailed data on the

Perhaps nowhere is the inclination to interact with friends over foes more apparent than in the realms of politics and policy, and public managers increasingly operate within collaborative governance arrangements that are highly politicized. To further the existing knowledge on policy-based interactions, this article examines factors that lead to cooperative interactions between foes. The Advocacy Coalition Framework, Resource Dependence Theory, and Policy Analytical Capacity are utilized to examine effects of resources and beliefs on interactions of climate policy supporters and opponents within Colorado. Despite the contentious nature of climate policy, a majority of individuals interacted equally with friends and foes, with opponents more likely to interact with foes. Extreme beliefs made individuals more likely to interact with friends, while resources had mixed effects. These findings offer an improved understanding of cooperative interactions between foes, which may help public managers operating within collaborative governance arrangements to promote greater cooperation and understanding.