The use of policy as a governmental device is central in maintaining social, political, and economic relationships between states, within states and organizations, between states and citizens, and between the providers and users of services. Policy also provides the practical framework for the expression of political messages and the achievement of social goals. With the context for policy-making having changed dramatically since the closing years of the 20th century, the idea of 'policy' is ripe for critical reappraisal. Using three areas of analysis meanings, politics, and practice and including topical, research-informed case studies, this book enables the reader to reconsider how policy is made and how it is researched and analyzed, opening up new grounds for debate.