This fully revised second edition offers a comprehensive examination of the policy process through a range of perspectives, including rationalism, culturalism, institutionalism, and political analysis. By combining these perspectives, the book enhances our understanding of the complex challenges that today’s policymakers face and promotes a reflexive approach to policy practice. It enables students to discover key concepts and gain a deeper understanding of how public policy is discussed academically and shaped empirically.Key Features:Coverage of all key elements of the policy cycleCritical reflections on the roles of policy analystsInsight into the complexity of policy making in practiceUp-to-date review of the literature on the policy processFresh case studies on topics including migration, water management, social policies, and climate change.Providing an insight into the complexity of policy making in today’s world, this engaging textbook is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and master’s students of public policy, policy analysis and public administration.