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ABSTRACTThe politics of public policy is a vibrant research area increasingly at the forefront of intellectual innovations in the discipline. We argue that political scientists are best positioned to undertake research on the politics of public policy when they possess expertise in particular policy areas. Policy expertise positions scholars to conduct theoretically innovative work and to ensure that empirical research reflects the reality they aim to analyze. It also confers important practical advantages, such as access to a significant number of academic positions and major sources of research funding not otherwise available to political scientists. Perhaps most importantly, scholars with policy expertise are equipped to defend the value of political science degrees and research in the public sphere.

Why is climate change the subject of such vehement political rhetoric in the United States? What explains the policy deadlock that has existed for nearly two decades—and that has resulted in the failure of US leadership in the international arena? Addressing these questions, Glen Sussman and Byron Daynes trace the evolution of US climate change policy, assess how key players—the scientific community, Congress, the president, the judiciary, interest groups, the states, and the public—have responded to climate change, and explore the prospects for effective policymaking in the future

In A Meaning for "Public Policy," Lawrence M. Mead (New York U, New York, NY) discusses public policy as a combination of economics & political science that optimally reflects the analytic strengths of both disciplines. Economics & political science are differentiated: the former is concerned with norms & the results of individual action; whereas the latter focuses on real political issues, groups, & constraints, & is concerned with collectively generated issues. The constructive function of the two disciplines is illustrated with an example from budgeting. In On Economics, Political Science, and Public Policy, Richard E. Wagner (Florida State U, Tallahassee) observes that both economics & political science are based on the fact of scarcity & the inherent conflict among peoples & societies it signifies. A historical review of the application of economic theory to political practice is provided, showing that this procedure has functioned similarly whether in absolutist or republican societies, with the difference that the latter could elect to alter policy directions. It is argued that economics & political science must recognize principles intrinsic to society & try to work within them to create policy. This process is examined in the case of rent control. 22 References. D. Dunseath.

Contents: A meaning for "public policy," by Lawrence M. Mead; On economics, political science, and public policy, by Richard E. Wagner.

ABSTRACTThe politics of public policy is a vibrant research area increasingly at the forefront of intellectual innovations in the discipline. We argue that political scientists are best positioned to undertake research on the politics of public policy when they possess expertise in particular policy areas. Policy expertise positions scholars to conduct theoretically innovative work and to ensure that empirical research reflects the reality they aim to analyze. It also confers important practical advantages, such as access to a significant number of academic positions and major sources of research funding not otherwise available to political scientists. Perhaps most importantly, scholars with policy expertise are equipped to defend the value of political science degrees and research in the public sphere.