ABSTRACT
Comparative policy analysis depends upon the various theoretical and methodological approaches to public policy. The same theoretical perspectives such as the advocacy-coalition framework, multiple-streams models, and agenda-setting are important for understanding national and international policymaking and public policy comparatively. Evidence-based policymaking is more difficult than sometimes assumed, depending, as it does, on understanding both the dynamics of public policy and the institutional contexts. Despite this difficulty, there has been a surge of interest in policy designed on the basis of “scientifically” demonstrated effectiveness and the ability to identify those successful policies within various structures. This chapter explains comparative Inter-regional policy analysis studies, Comparative Policy Analysis and Institutions and Theory and Methodology. Comparative policy sectors focus on the major areas of strength in the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: markets, money and economy, healthcare, welfare, education, migration, and biotechnology policy.
