Part 1 : Policy theories -- Studying the policy process -- Theories of power and the policy process -- Rational choice theory -- From pluralism to networks -- Institutional theory -- Comparative policy process studies -- Integrating theoretical approaches -- Part 2 : Analysis of the policy process -- Policy and politics -- Agenda setting -- Policy formulation -- Implementation: an overview -- Bureaucracy: organisational structures and processes -- The policy process at the street level -- The policy process in the age of governance -- Conclusion: evaluation and accountability