Jonathan Ruff, PhD

Exploring how decision-makers create momentum and legitimize policy ideas within the scope of a preferred institution.

Dr. Ruff studies how stories shape bureaucracy’s responsibilities.

He gravitates toward a social-constructivism ontology and applies approaches grounded in the policy process theories. Much of his work seeks to build operational approaches through interdisciplinary lenses that can be applied liberally by others in the field.

Research Interests

Dr. Ruff’s research agenda explores meso policy narratives that connect policy perspectives with the successes and shortcomings of bureaucracy.

  • Policy narrative construction
  • Bureaucratic responsibility
  • Interest group influence
  • Sub-governmental policymaking
  • Defense & security (conflict) policy narratives

Recent Publications

Structure, Valence, and Causality: A Scoping Review of Plot Concepts and Measurements in the Narrative Policy Framework.

Ruff, J.W.A. (2025) Structure, Valence, and Causality: A Scoping Review of Plot Concepts and Measurements in the Narrative Policy Framework. Policy Studies Journal. doi: 10.1111/psj.70066

Space for Stories: Legislative narratives and the establishment of the USSF.

Ruff, J. W. A., Stelmach, G., & Jones, M. D. (2022). Space for stories: Legislative narratives and the establishment of the US Space Force. Policy Sciences, 55(3), 509–553. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-022-09455-5

Conference Presentations

Conference Panels