Conclusions: towards a theory of strategic environmental assessment?

In this chapter, the authors reflect on the possibility of devising an SEA theory. In this context, first we reflect on key emerging building blocks of SEA. An important message emerging is that not all building blocks are manifested in current SEA requirements and practices. This means that there are currently barriers for an effective application of SEA. Whether there is a need for an SEA theory is discussed before the influence of existing philosophical paradigms on SEA are highlighted. What an SEA theory should aim at achieving is explored before previous attempts of providing elements to an emerging SEA theory are summarised. Finally, taking a critical realism perspctive, the concept of selection logic is introduced as a possible SEA theory backbone. An afterthough is provided on current challenges, with particular reference to a post-truth, COVID-19 world.