The Politics of Policymaking

Never has good policy been so important. From unemployment and a lack of affordable housing to regulating cryptocurrencies and protecting against cybersecurity threats, the challenges we face are complex and global. The text explains how policymaking works: from the emergence of policy ideas to deciding between cutting-edge solutions, from evaluating policies to improving policymaking practices, using examples from around the world.

Open up the black box of government to see where policies are made. This introductory text takes you beyond theory and into the messy world of policymaking, offering a toolkit for making better policy. Drawing from insights earned through years of interactions with policymakers and extensive teaching experience, Boin and Lodge offer a comprehensive introduction to the inner workings of government and how to produce policies that address societal problems of today and tomorrow. The Politics of Policymaking teaches you the connections between policies, their effects, and the society they impact. It explores the interplay between citizens, policymakers and politicians, and the intricate web of policy decisions.

• Reflective questions help to engage readers with the key themes and to reflect on the challenges of policymaking in practice.


• A global perspective enables you to learn from diverse viewpoints and see examples from around the world.


• Timely and cutting-edge, this book tackles contemporary policy issues—platform economies, climate change, and more - while delving into crucial theoretical tools like political legitimacy and reform.


• An assignment feature provides you with the opportunity to consolidate your learning and put it into practice.

This text is an essential companion for any undergraduate or postgraduate student of Politics, International Relations, and Public Administration  and for anyone aspiring to work in public policy.

Arjen Boin is Professor of Public Institutions and Governance at Leiden University, the Netherlands.

Martin Lodge is Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at London school of Economics and Political Science.