A benchmark contribution. Its theme is that policy studies constitute the one area of research in political science that best lends itself to interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives and historical frameworks of analysis. . . . It stands as a broad survey of the field of comparative policy studies as well as a testament to the importance of this area of inquiry.-- "Journal of Policy History"
The contributors to this volume reflect the diversity of approaches and interpretations which result from taking history and context seriously in policy studies. Their essays also make contributions independently to a variety of sub-fields in political science.-- "Canadian Journal of Political Science"
This volume is a thoughtful and challenging contribution of ideas to a post-positivist agenda.-- "American Politics Review"
Those who think this volume will be of interest only to those pursuing comparative public policy will miss a major work on the nature and future of our discipline. . . . In one way or another all of the essays portray the limitations that behavioral analysis has imposed on the discipline. They also present arguments for alternative approaches to understanding public policy broadly defined as the 'why' of politics.-- "Journal of Politics"