Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues

by Paul Cairney

This book is a new introduction to theories of public policy. The author provides an accessible assessment of a wide range of theories and models from policy cycles, policy transfer, rational choice and socio-economic explanations to multi-level governance, advocacy coalitions and punctuated equilibrium and of their value to policy analysis.

Genres: Public Policy, Nonfiction, Politics

327 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with some great examples to help wrap your head around these complex theories. The conclusion is great because it helps you to look at how you can combine theories to understand the policy process. Everyone studying policy should read this book.

[Noé Burnel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to Public Policy with a wide scope, explaining the history and logics of many theories and approaches. Here's a list of which I remember :

- The policy cycle (or linear model)
- Multiple streams approach (MSA)
- Advocacy coalition framework (ACF)
- Punctuated equilibrium theory (PET)
- (New) institutionalisms : sociologic, historic, feminist, discursive, rational-choice
- Multiple Level Governance (MLG)
- Narrative policy framework (NPF)
- Framing analysis

None of these approaches offers a complete understanding of reality, but allows for a particular perspective. Therefore, combining their insights can be relevant, with utmost caution about their compatibility.

[Haifa Alhamzah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding textbook, clearly written and full of theoretical and empirical considerations on public policies.