Now in its fifth edition, this established text offers a comprehensive synthesis of policymaking theory and analysis for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. The book integrates foundational and contemporary scholarship through global examples that develop comparative analytical skills. Real-world case examples extend theoretical insights into practice. Its three-part structure builds knowledge systematically: from core concepts and methodologies through the policy cycle to contemporary governance challenges. Students explore theoretical frameworks including pluralism, institutionalism, and conceptual development, while examining continuity, policy feedback, advocacy, and belief systems. Each chapter features learning objectives, revised study questions, and selected readings. This edition reorganizes and expands global coverage, incorporates recent scholarship including constructivist and feminist approaches, and substantially revises chapters on policy design and formulation. A new concluding chapter reinforces practical applications. The text's manageable length supports single-semester courses while providing depth for graduate seminars.
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A textbook for upper-level undergraduates and graduates synthesizing theory, recent research and global consideration of policymaking.
List of Figures; List of Tables; Preface; Part I. Introduction:
1.
Studying public policy: the why and the what;
2. Understanding public policy:
policy analysis and policy studies;
3. The policy context: ideas,
institutions and actors;
4. Policy content: policy designs and policy tools;
Part II. Policy Cycle:
5. Policy priorities: agenda-setting and problem
definition;
6. Policy alternatives: formulating policy options;
7. Policy
choices: deciding among policy options;
8. Policy administration:
implementing decisions;
9. Policy assessment: evaluating results and seeking
improvement; Part III. Long-Term Policy Dynamics:
10. Policy dynamics:
policymaking over time;
11. Conclusion: studying policymaking to better
address the challenges of our time; Bibliography; Index.
Michael Howlett is Burnaby Mountain Professor of Political Science and Canada Research Chair at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia. His research specializes in public policy analysis, political economy, and resource and environmental policy. He is Editor-in-Chief of Policy Sciences and Co-Editor of Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Policy & Society, and Policy Design and Practice. His current work focuses on policy formulation and design, particularly policy tools, instruments, and the processes behind their development. M Ramesh is Professor and UNESCO Chair on Social Policy Design in Asia at the National University of Singapore. Specializing in public policy and governance in Asia, with a focus on social policy, Ramesh has authored and edited numerous books and journal articles. He is the founding editor of the journals Policy and Society and Policy Design and Practice, as well as the acclaimed Cambridge Elements in Public Policy series. He is the outgoing President of the International Public Policy Association. Anthony Perl is Professor of Urban Studies and Political Science at Simon Fraser University. His interdisciplinary research examines policy decisions related to transportation, cities, and the environment. His work has received awards for outstanding papers presented at the World Conference on Transport Research and the Canadian Transportation Research Forum. He is co-editor of The Handbook of Transportation and Public Policy (2025) and Transport and Energy Transition (2025).
