The fourth edition of this widely‎-used text relates theory to practice in the public policy process‎.‎ In a clear‎,‎ conversational style‎,‎ author Tom Birkland conveys the best current thinking on the policy process with an emphasis on accessibility and synthesis‎.‎ This new edition has been reorganized to better explain the role of policy analysis in the policy process‎.‎ New to this edition‎:‎ * A new section on the role of policy analysis and policy analysts in the policy process‎.‎ * A revised and updated chapter surveying the social‎,‎ economic‎,‎ and demographic trends that are transforming the policy environment‎.‎ * Fully updated references to help the advanced reader locate the most important theoretical literature in policy process studies‎.‎ * New illustrations and an improved layout to clarify key ideas and stimulate classroom discussion‎.‎ The book makes