Exploring the interplay between empirical and normative analysis, which is a crucial issue, Handbook of Public Policy Analysis: Theory, Politics, and Methods provides a broad, comprehensive perspective on the field. This book examines the historical development of policy analysis as well as its role in the policy process. Presenting empirical methods that have defined this endeavor, this text then explores the various theories generated by these methods. Normative and ethical issues surrounding the practice of public policy analysis are also addressed. Discussion of theoretical debated that have defined this field in recent years-such as postpositivist, interpretivist, and social constructionist-completes the coverage.