Political Economy for Public Policy

"This book brings some much-needed clarity and rigor to the analysis of public policy: What are the aims of policy, what are the inescapable dilemmas and trade-offs, and what are the pitfalls in government action? Above all, its essential message is that effective policy analysis is impossible without taking account of the political realities and the difficulties of implementation."--Diane Coyle, author of GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History"This book offers a comprehensive introduction to analytical methods for helping policymakers and concerned citizens think about practical questions of public policy. In clear, logical steps, Bueno de Mesquita probes the difficulties of getting people to agree on good government policies, and teaches readers how to anticipate the political and economic constraints which can limit the feasible scope of potentially beneficial reforms."--Roger Myerson, University of Chicago"This is an amazing book. Not only is it a superb pedagogical tool for teachers of public policy, political science, and political economy, it is also an exemplar of deep, systematic thinking about politics, policy, and the contexts in which governments and the governed, parties and interest groups, and politicians and citizens interact."--Kenneth A. Shepsle, Harvard University "I know of no other book like Political Economy for Public Policy, in terms of its intention, ambition, and skill. With a terrific range of topics and masterful exposition, it is an excellent textbook with many clever and attractive features."--Charles M. Cameron, Princeton University"This ambitious and necessary book provides an advanced introduction to public policy that is built upon a foundation of modern political economy. Filled with examples and applications, the book offers a set of models that are accessible and flexible enough to adapt to a variety of settings."--Michael M. Ting, Columbia University"This valuable book could revolutionize the study of politics within policy schools."--Craig Volden, University of Virginia