Understanding Public Policy – Theories and Issues

The fully revised second edition of Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues offers a comprehensive exploration into the complexities of policy processes and the underlying theories that guide public decision-making. Paul Cairney guides readers through a maze of governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and interest groups, outlining the fundamental concepts necessary to navigate and interpret the intricate world of public policy. The text skillfully examines a variety of topics - from multi-level governance and punctuated equilibrium to 'Multiple Streams' analysis and feminist institutionalism - inviting readers to consider key questions about the narratives behind policy theories, the role of evidence in policymaking, and the universal applicability of theories primarily developed in the Global North. This edition introduces several new sections, including discussions on power dynamics, feminist institutionalism, the institutional analysis and development framework, the narrative policy framework, and social construction in policy design. An updated concluding chapter expands on policy studies within the Global South, while further insights are provided on policy formulation, the psychology behind decision-making, and complexity theory. Designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate students studying public policy, this book remains an essential resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the theoretical and practical challenges within the field.