An Introduction to the Policy Process
Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policymaking
6th Edition
Published on 10. June 2026
Book
Hardback
498 pages
978-1-032-75664-6 (ISBN)
Description
Now in a thoroughly revised sixth edition, An Introduction to the Policy Process provides students at all levels with an accessible, readable, and affordable introduction to the field of public policy. In keeping with prior editions, author Tom Birkland conveys the best current thinking on the policy process in a clear, conversational style. Designed to address new developments in both policy theory and policymaking, the sixth edition includes:
An all-new chapter exploring the philosophical and normative foundations of American governance, to connect principles such as liberty, equality, representation, and the rule of law to contemporary political debates and tensions;
A thoughtful exploration of newer policy theory developments like the Multiple Streams Framework, Punctuated Equilibrium Theory, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, policy diffusion, the Narrative Policy Framework, and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) and Social-Ecological Systems (SES) traditions, to help students understand policy change and stability, and to provide a set of analytical tools they can carry with them beyond the classroom;
Fully updated chapter summaries, key terms and definitions, provocative review questions, recommended reading, visual aids and case studies, theoretical literature, and PowerPoint slides and Test Banks to make teaching from the book easier than ever.
Firmly grounded in both social science and political science, An Introduction to the Policy Process provides the most up-to-date and thorough overview of the theory and practice of the policy process, ideal for upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Political Science programs.
An all-new chapter exploring the philosophical and normative foundations of American governance, to connect principles such as liberty, equality, representation, and the rule of law to contemporary political debates and tensions;
A thoughtful exploration of newer policy theory developments like the Multiple Streams Framework, Punctuated Equilibrium Theory, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, policy diffusion, the Narrative Policy Framework, and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) and Social-Ecological Systems (SES) traditions, to help students understand policy change and stability, and to provide a set of analytical tools they can carry with them beyond the classroom;
Fully updated chapter summaries, key terms and definitions, provocative review questions, recommended reading, visual aids and case studies, theoretical literature, and PowerPoint slides and Test Banks to make teaching from the book easier than ever.
Firmly grounded in both social science and political science, An Introduction to the Policy Process provides the most up-to-date and thorough overview of the theory and practice of the policy process, ideal for upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses in Public Policy, Public Administration, and Political Science programs.
Reviews / Votes
"As ever, Birkland brings the policy process to life with precision, clarity, and the kind of intellectual generosity students feel on every page. This edition sharpens the tools, updates the debates, and reaffirms why this book has become the field's trusted compass."Michael D. Jones, Clemson University, USA
"Birkland's An Introduction to the Policy Process is my go-to textbook for teaching about the policy process. It has a strong foundation in the academic research on policy process and policy design but is presented in a format that is digestible to undergraduate and graduate students. The sixth edition continues to be an indispensable resource."
Daniel J. Mallinson, Penn State Harrisburg
"The sixth edition of An Introduction to the Policy Process remains the premier textbook for students of public policy and policy process theory in particular. This latest edition is both comprehensive and remarkably accessible, offering a rich array of examples that illuminate complex theoretical concepts with clarity. An Introduction to the Policy Process is an essential read for undergraduate and graduate students alike."
Rob A. DeLeo, Professor of Public Policy, Bentley University
"Birkland's latest edition - of what should rightfully be considered an iconic textbook - remains the premier source for introducing policy processes from a U.S. perspective. This updated edition thoughtfully incorporates the latest developments in American democracy and politics, providing students and scholars with the essential tools to understand a rapidly evolving policy landscape."
Christopher M. Weible, University of Colorado Denver
"Thomas Birkland's sixth edition continues his excellent work of explaining the policy process within the context of the American political system that will engage students across a variety of disciplines. His balance between theory and practice helps the reader see the impact of the policy process in their daily lives."
Bob Choquette, Teaching Professor, School of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon
"Across his career, Thomas Birkland has prepared thousands of aspiring scholars and practitioners to engage the complex challenges of American policymaking. In this updated edition of his classic text, he shows yet again why his ideas deserve everyone's attention."
Paul Manna, Hyman Professor of Government, William & Mary
"The sixth edition of An Introduction to the Policy Process is a well-written textbook that provides a clear and insightful introduction to the political processes that shape public policies. Birkland's wide-ranging book is an excellent resource for instructors and students interested in policy studies."
George Busenberg, Soka University of America, USA
More details
Edition
6th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Advanced
Illustrations
18 s/w Tabellen, 14 farbige Zeichnungen, 36 s/w Zeichnungen, 16 Farbfotos bzw. farbige Rasterbilder, 6 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 30 farbige Abbildungen, 42 s/w Abbildungen
18 Tables, black and white; 14 Line drawings, color; 36 Line drawings, black and white; 16 Halftones, color; 6 Halftones, black and white; 30 Illustrations, color; 42 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 191 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-032-75664-6 (9781032756646)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Thomas A. Birkland
An Introduction to the Policy Process
Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policymaking
Book
06/2026
6th Edition
Routledge
€56.00
Shipment within 10-20 days
Thomas A. Birkland
An Introduction to the Policy Process
Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policymaking
E-Book
06/2026
6th Edition
Routledge
€59.49
Available for download
Thomas A. Birkland
An Introduction to the Policy Process
Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policymaking
E-Book
06/2026
6th Edition
Routledge
€59.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Thomas A. Birkland
An Introduction to the Policy Process
Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policy Making
Book
06/2019
5th Edition
Routledge
€292.00
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Thomas A. Birkland is a Professor of Public Policy at North Carolina State University, USA. He has taught courses on disaster policy and environmental policy, as well as on the policy process, to all levels of students. He was born in Seattle and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and has degrees from the University of Oregon, Rutgers University, and the University of Washington. His research has examined policy theory, agenda setting, and the role of sudden events, such as disasters, in the policy process. He has written two books and many articles about disaster policy, the policy process, and agenda setting. His 1997 book After Disaster won the Aaron Wildavsky Enduring Contribution Award from the Public Policy section of the American Political Science Association in 2020.
Content
1. Introducing the Policy Process 2. Philosophical Foundations of Politics and the Policy Process 3. The Constitutional Order and the Policy Process 4. Elements of the Policymaking System 5. Official Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy 6. Unofficial Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy 7. Agenda Setting, Groups, and Power 8. Policies and Policy Types 9. Decision-Making and Policy Analysis 10. Policy Design and Policy Tools 11. Policy Implementation, Failure, and Learning 12. Contemporary Theories of the Policy Process