The World of the Policy Analyst offers a detailed study of the policy analyst's role in the policymaking process. By stressing the need of the analyst to recognize the political, social, and ideological forces that operate in the policy process while retaining analytical integrity, the authors bring a "real world" awareness to the understanding of the environment in which analysts must function. This edition covers recent efforts to integrate values and analysis, explores the implications of increasing fragmentation in the political system and the growing influence of think tanks at the national and state levels, and identifies the challenges posed by rapid scientific and technological change.

Preface to the Third Edition

Introduction

1. The Emergence of a Field
    The Historical Background
    From Technique to Policy Analysis
    The Analyst in the Policy Process

2. Rationality and Decision Making
    Policy Analysis: A Thumbnail Sketch
    Ideology and Policy Analysis
    How Policy Analysis is Used
    Policy Analysis: Techniques, Values, and Effects
    The Policy Process
    Policy Analysis and the Policy Process

3. The Cultural Setting of Policy Analysis
    Liberty and Equality: The Politics of Conscience and the Politics of Interest
    Conscience and Interest in Ethical Theory
    The Politics of Conscience Today
    The Politics of Interest
    Equality and Public Policy
    Cleavage within the Politics of Conscience
    Conclusion

4. Ethics and Public Policy Analysis
    Deontology and Utilitarianism
    Casuistry
    Some Cases

5. American Democracy and the Fragmentation of Concensus
    The "New Class" and Postmaterial Values
    What Have You Done for Me Lately?
    Realignment, Dealignment, or What?
    The Party Organization: Resurrection or Requiem?
    The Policy Process

6. Policy Analysis and the Political Arena
    An Incremental Policy Process
    A Fragmented Congress: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
    The Presidency: The Problem of Fragmentation in the "Leadership" Branch
    Policy Analysis and Political Uncertainty

7. Policy Devolution and Policy Analysis
    A National Policy Focus
    Increasing State Influence
    The 1994 Elections
    State Policy Initiatives
    Private-Sector Policy Groups
    Think Tanks and Policy Analysis
    The Policy Analyst in the Private Sector
    An Expanded Policy Arena: Prospects and Concerns

8. Policy Analysis in the Judicial Process
    The Judicial Process
    Approaches to Legal Reasoning
    Sources of Judicial Activism
    Examples of Judicial Activism: Social and Technological Change
    The Limits of Power

Conclusion
    Structural Reform
    Anticipating the Policy Process
    Moving toward the Public Good

Notes
Index
About the Authors