Thoroughly revised, reorganized, updated, and expanded, this widely used text sets the balance and fills the gap between theory and practice in public policy studies. In a clear, conversational style, the author conveys the best current thinking on the policy process with an emphasis on accessibility and synthesis rather than novelty or abstraction. A newly added chapter surveys the social, economic, and demographic trends that are transforming the policy environment, while the discussion of policy science issues now culminates in a capstone chapter.

Throughout the book, case studies and real-world examples link theory to the current experience of practitioners. Generous use is made of learning aids including chapter-at-a-glance outlines, definitions, tabular and charts, cartoons, provocative review questions and research suggestions, and annotated lists of selected classic and recent works in policy studies, as well as online materials for professor and students.

“Without a doubt the most readable, accessible and substantive introductory policy text on the market. Thomas Birkland's book provides students with all of the basic tools for understanding the practice and study of public policy.” — Tom Hogen-Esch, California State University, Northridge (*)

“In a concise, readable manner, Birkland's text conveys the essential who, what, when, where, why, and how of public policy-making. As both a policy practitioner and a teacher, I appreciate the book's discussion of real-world examples within the framework of important concepts from the policy literature. Even better, my students like it, too.” — John W. Hardin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Chief Policy Analyst, North Carolina Board of Science and Technology

“An excellent introduction to all aspects of the public policy process. Birkland provides historical perspective, analyzes the stages in the public policy process, fully addresses the political conflicts surrounding public policy—and does so in a concise, highly readable textbook.” — Craig Ramsay, Ohio Wesleyan University