The politics of global education policy: the formation of the Education for All – Fast Track Initiative (FTI)

Abstract

This paper considers the macro and micro-political forces that influenced the development of the Education for All – Fast Track Initiative in its formative years from 2002–2009. The author uses the conceptual framework of the network organisation to analyse the complex interaction of personal, political and institutional forces that shaped the FTI and considers its impact on global education policy. The analysis reveals both strengths and weaknesses resulting from the networked approach to organisational development followed by the FTI. The author concludes that although the FTI made some significant contributions to international education developments, on balance the FTI failed to meet the expectations of a major global initiative