Understanding Public Policy

Probably the best general public policy textbook on the market, Dyes Understanding Public Policyhas proven its worth, utility and staying power over the years with its comprehensive treatment of critical issues and ability to link theory with practice. Euel Elliott, Universityof Texas at Dallas

The gold-standard for introductory public policy texts, Understanding Public Policy is designed to provide students with concrete tools for not only understanding public policy in general, but for analyzing specific public policies. This new edition focuses on the many policy changes initiated by President Barack Obama, with special attention given to the economic policies addressing the global financial crisis.

New to the Thirteenth Edition

        Analysis of President Obamas Budget of the United States Government 2010, including critical and comprehensive coverage of bank bailouts, the stimulus package, the TARP program, mortgage modification, the purchase of toxic assets, and dramatic increases in federal spending. 

        Discussion on the Obama administrations Tax Code and plans to raise taxes on capital gains and increase top marginal tax rates.

        A focus on asymmetrical warfare in the chapter on defense policy countering small-scale guerilla operations, ambushes, hidden explosives, suicide bombings, and hostage takings.

        Three new case studies on the Gulf War, the war in Iraq, and the war in Afghanistan analyze the use of military force. 

        A special section, What Went Wrong in Iraq, describes the early mistakes, later stabilization, and phased withdrawal of U.S. forces in that country. 

        Detailed coverage of the resurrected debate over comprehensive immigration policy reform and border control.

        New coverage of energy policy is incorporated into the environmental policy discussion with treatment of national and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the cap and trade model, and the role of the nuclear power industry.

        The health policy chapter has been substantially revised to include analysis of President Obamas healthcare plan.

        An in depth discussion on education policy is included, with special attention to the No Child Left Behind Act controversies, and President Obamas plans for teacher accountability, merit pay, and standardized testing.

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