Michael E. Kraft Book order (chronological)

Since the first edition of Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives, Michael Kraft and Scott Furlong have taken a different tack. They want students to understand how and why policy analysis is used to assess policy alternatives—not only to question the assumptions of policy analysts, but also to recognize how analysis is used in support of political arguments. To encourage critical and creative thinking on issues ranging from the federal deficit to health care reform to climate change, the authors introduce and fully integrate an evaluative approach to policy. The authors begin the fifth edition of Public Policy with a concise review of institutions, policy actors, and major theoretical models. Then, they discuss the nature of policy analysis and its practice and show students how to employ evaluative criteria in six substantive policy areas. The text arms students with the analytic tools they need to understand the motivations of policy actors—both within and outside of government—and to influence a complex, yet comprehensible, policy agenda.

Kraft, Michael, Environmental Policy and Politics, 2nd Edition*/ This up-to-date book is a concise yet thorough examination of environmental, natural resource and energy policy and politics, primarily within the United States. Drawing from work within environmental science, policy analysis, and political science, it critically examines the key strengths and weaknesses of policy-making processes today, as well as the promise of new policy approaches. The overriding theme of Environmental Policy and Politics, Second Edition, is that democratic approaches to policy-making and policy change are likely to be the most effective over time, based on strong public support. The book stresses the opportunities available to citizens to shape environmental policies at all levels of government. For those interested in environmental policy.