Abstract

Beyond deliberation. A difference-theoretical conception of evidence-based policy. The model of evidence-based politics is a central response of democracies to transnational crises. It is usually based on a deliberative model of both politics and the relationship between science and politics. However, this model aims too much for agreement and consensus.Therefore, it pays too little attention to the differences between the conflicting forms of knowledge and evidence practices. In contrast, this article develops a radically democratic, transnationally oriented and differencetheoretical concept of evidence-based politics that recognises and processes these differences. Following Derrida, it identifies criticism and dispute as two central modes of evidence-based politics. This requires university’s ability to deconstruct, and critique established concepts and forms of policymaking.