Part I: Policy Theories 1. Studying the Policy Process 2. Theories of power and the policy process 3. Rational choice theory 4. From pluralism to networks 5. Institutional theory 6. Comparative Policy Process Studies 7. Integrating theoretical approaches Part II: Analysis of the Policy Process 8. Policy and politics 9. Agenda setting 10. Policy formulation 11. Implementation: an overview 12. Bureaucracy: organisational structures and processes 13. The policy process at the street level 14. The policy process in the age of governance 15. Conclusion: evaluation and accountability

"A fresh edition of a classic textbook. It provides an even-handed, concise and considerate overview of a range of theories and approaches in the study of the policy process." - Mark Bovens, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. "The seventh edition consolidates The Public Policy Process is one of the leading textbooks in the field of public policy-making. It provides a rich and accessible overview of relevant theory and essential concepts along with illustrative examples from a diverse set of cases. The book is a great source of knowledge and inspiration that is certain to be of interest to academics and practitioners and all those interested in understanding the policy process." - Daniel Nohrstedt, Uppsala University, Sweden. "This book presents an excellent contribution to the study of the policy process. Michael Hill and Frederic Varone performed an invaluable service by authoring this new edition of the very successful textbook. It is a "must read" for students and researchers interested in policy theories ant their application to various aspects of the policy process." - Sabine Kuhlmann, University of Potsdam, Germany. "In the 7th Edition of The Public Policy Process, Hill and Varone have transformed what has been one of the best introductory books on policy process research into one that is an even better. In doing so, they recognize and describe the complexities inherent in policy processes without reverting to overly simplified and distorted depictions. Based on crisp conceptualizations and comprehensive theoretical foundations, this book offers a firm foundation for new students and experienced scholars for understanding, studying, and influencing policy processes." - Chris Weible, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, USA.