5 Books that you should read as a student of Public Policy

Introduction To Public Policy In India

Public policy refers to the decisions and actions taken by the government that directly or indirectly impact the public. In India, public policy is heavily influenced by international law, democratic principles, and social justice. Policies are designed to address societal issues, providing solutions to improve current and future conditions, either for small populations or on a larger scale.

Designing and implementing sustainable and feasible policy measures has become increasingly important, especially after the global pandemic. Understanding the barriers to effective policy-making is crucial for distinguishing a good policymaker from a regular one. While practical experience is invaluable, there is a vast amount of literature that provides insights into the complexities and challenges of policy-making.

Here are five must-read books for students, beginners, and professionals in public policy to illustrate the main hurdles to optimal policy-making.

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1. Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen

Description: Written by the 1998 Nobel Prize winner in Economics, “Development as Freedom” provides a paradigm-shifting framework for understanding economic development in the 21st century. Amartya Sen argues that freedom is both the ultimate goal and the most efficient means of sustaining economic life. He separates the concept of individual freedom from any specific historical, intellectual, political, or religious context, showcasing its universal applicability. In a global economy where many still lack basic freedoms despite overall wealth increases, Sen highlights the possibility and necessity of maintaining social accountability and human development.

Why Read This?: This book offers profound insights into the role of freedom in economic development, making it a critical read for understanding the interplay between economics and social welfare.

About the Author: Amartya Sen is an esteemed economist and philosopher known for his work in welfare economics and social choice theory. He has been awarded numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998.

Online Reading Material: Development as Freedom on Google Books

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2. Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson

Description: “Why Nations Fail” is a brilliant and engaging exploration of the deep-rooted reasons behind the wealth and poverty of nations. Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson tackle a question that has puzzled experts for centuries: why are some nations prosperous while others remain poor? Contrary to popular beliefs attributing differences to culture, geography, or ignorance, the authors argue that it is the man-made political and economic institutions that determine the economic success or failure of nations. Through extensive research spanning 15 years and a rich array of historical evidence, they demonstrate how inclusive institutions foster economic growth by creating incentives, rewarding innovation, and ensuring broad participation in economic opportunities.

Why Read This?: This book offers a compelling and well-researched argument on the importance of institutions in economic development, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of economic prosperity and political economy dynamics.

About the Authors:

• Daron Acemoglu: A renowned economist, Acemoglu is the Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• James Robinson: A political scientist and economist, Robinson is the Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies and University Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

Online Reading Material: Why Nations Fail on Google Books

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3. The Anti-Politics Machine by James Ferguson

Description: “The Anti-Politics Machine” critically examines the concept of development and its often unintended consequences. Ferguson focuses on the development industry in Lesotho, revealing how projects designed to alleviate poverty frequently fail. Despite their failure, these projects produce significant unacknowledged effects, such as expanding bureaucratic state power and recasting political issues of poverty and powerlessness into technical problems for development experts to solve. Ferguson uses an anthropological approach influenced by Foucault to analyse the institutional frameworks and development discourse, highlighting the startling ignorance of local historical and political realities.

Why Read This?: This book provides a critical perspective on the development industry and the unintended political consequences of development projects. It is essential for understanding the complexities and challenges of international development and the role of bureaucracy in shaping development outcomes.

About the Author: James Ferguson is an associate professor of anthropology at the University of California, Irvine. His work is grounded in anthropological and sociopolitical analysis, providing deep insights into the functioning and impacts of development projects.

Online Reading Material: The Anti-Politics Machine on Google Books

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4. Essence of Decision by Graham T. Allison and Philip Zelikow

Description: Widely regarded as one of the most influential political science books of the post-World War II era, “Essence of Decision” offers a detailed examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The second edition is not just a revision but a complete rewrite, incorporating new information from the Kennedy tapes and recently declassified Soviet files. This edition vividly portrays decision-making under pressure and attempts to answer the crucial question: how should citizens understand their government’s actions?

Why Read This?: This book provides a comprehensive analysis of a pivotal historical event and offers insights into the complexities of governmental decision-making, making it an essential read for students of political science and public policy.

About the Authors:

• Graham Allison: Director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and a bestselling author. He has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense and advised secretaries of defense under every president from Reagan to Obama. Allison is the founding dean of the Harvard Kennedy School and has twice been awarded the Department of Defense’s highest civilian award.
• Philip Zelikow: White Burkett Miller Professor of History and Wilson Newman Professor of Governance at the University of Virginia. Zelikow has served in various levels of American government, including as Counselor of the State Department. He directed the 9/11 Commission and has been a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and the Defense Policy Board.

Online Reading Material: Essence of Decision on Google Books

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5. What the Economy Needs Now edited by Abhijit Banerjee, Gita Gopinath, Raghuram Rajan, and Mihir S. Sharma

Description: “What the Economy Needs Now” addresses the urgent economic challenges facing India today, including rising unemployment, a banking crisis, falling GDP, and widespread farmer unrest. Edited by some of India’s most prominent economists, this book presents a comprehensive set of proposals to rejuvenate the nation’s economy. The contributors provide solutions to critical issues such as labour reforms, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, all while emphasising the need for robust economic growth. The book is rigorously argued yet accessible, making it a vital resource for understanding and addressing India’s economic needs.

Why Read This?: This book offers insightful and practical solutions from leading economists to the pressing economic problems in India, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the country’s economic future.

About the Authors:

• Abhijit Banerjee: Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics at MIT and founder of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).
• Gita Gopinath: Economic Counsellor and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund.
• Raghuram Rajan: Former governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
• Mihir S. Sharma: Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and head of its Economy and Growth Programme.

Online Reading Material: What the Economy Needs Now on Google Books

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Honorary Mentions

For those passionate about understanding the intricacies of governance and societal impact, we’ve added five more insightful reads to our honorary mentions. These books delve deeper into public policy, offering valuable perspectives and thought-provoking analyses.
Expand your knowledge and explore these essential additions to your reading list!

6. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision-Making by Deborah Stone

Description: Deborah Stone writes in “Policy Paradox” how making and creating policy is inherently contradictory and political. The book explains that policy decisions are battlefields for values and ideas; therefore, there can be no antecedent separation between politics and decision-making in search of pure rationality. The fully updated edition deals with the new paradoxes that emerged since major global events, such as September 11. Stone has a good writing style and uses updated examples that help develop an understanding of the complexities of policy-making.

Why Read This? This book gives insight into the political struggles and conflicts of values involved in policy-making. Thus, it is a basic read for anyone who wishes to gain an understanding of public policy decisions.

About the Author

Deborah Stone is an acclaimed scholar who has taught at some of the most influential schools, including Brandeis University and MIT. Her book, the award-winning and seminal Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making, first published in 1988, remains in use today—in its sixth edition—around the world and in many languages. Stone lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Online Reading Material: Policy Paradox on Google Books

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7. The Public Policy Primer: Managing the Policy Process by Xun Wu, M. Ramesh, Michael Howlett, and Scott A. Fritzen

Description: This new edition of “The Public Policy Primer” is an extensive and in-depth presentation of the scope surrounding the public policy-making process: agenda-setting, formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. The book aims to outline—in down-to-earth language—the basic features and challenges confronting public policy. Drawing from the experiences of countries at different stages of development, the authors present a comparative view of how policy actors can best navigate and manage the policy process to achieve desired outcomes within their respective country contexts.

This book is an important guide for students and practitioners in preparing, designing, executing, and evaluating public policies that are positive and beneficial to citizens’ lives. 

Why Read This?: It is a must-read for a budding policymaker, as it offers practical tools and methods for policy analysis and management.

About the Authors:

• Xun Wu: Professor in the Division of Public Policy and the Division of Social Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
• M. Ramesh: UNESCO Chair of Social Policy Design in Asia at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
• Michael Howlett: Burnaby Mountain Professor in the Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, Canada, and Yong Pung How Chair Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
• Scott A. Fritzen: Associate Professor at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington.

Online Reading Material: The Public Policy Primer on Google Books

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8. Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies by John W. Kingdon

Description: Kingdon’s classic work on agenda setting and policy formulation explains how policy issues are promoted, how and why they are defined, and how governments decide among various alternatives. Any student seeking to understand the policy process would be well-advised to read this book. Now updated in a new 2nd edition, Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies has been reissued with a new epilogue: Health Care Reform from Clinton to Obama. Kingdon juxtaposes agenda-setting, actors, and alternatives proposed by the Clinton administration in 1993 with the Obama administration in 2009 and 2010 to demonstrate how they affect public policy.

Why Read This?: The book offers a detailed understanding the policy process; consequently, it is extremely valuable for students and professionals who are interested in how public policy is formulated and implemented. It provides a practical insight into the mechanisms of policy change and the roles different stakeholders play.

About the Author

John W. Kingdon is a professor emeritus and former acting chair of political science at the University of Michigan. He has rich academic and scholarly experiences, having served as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Guggenheim fellow. Kingdon has been Chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan and President of the Midwest Political Science Association; he is also a fellow of the Centre for Advanced Behavioural Studies at Stanford and has been Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution.

Online Reading Material: Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies on Google Books

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9. Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action by Elinor Ostrom

Description: Governing natural resources utilized by multiple individuals in common is an emerging concern for policy analysts. Both state control and privatization of resources have been advocated, but neither the state nor the market has been successful in solving common pool resource problems. Elinor Ostrom uses a unique body of empirical data to investigate conditions under which common pool resource problems have been solved satisfactorily or otherwise. Drawing on institutional analysis, Dr. Ostrom examines various successful and unsuccessful ways of governing the commons. Contrary to the standard proposition of the ‘tragedy of the commons’ argument, common pool problems are sometimes solved by voluntary organizations rather than by a coercive state. Among the cases considered are communal tenure in meadows and forests, irrigation communities, other water rights, and fisheries.

Why Read This?: 

This book is important for understanding the complexities involved in the management of common resources and the role of institutions in fostering practices making them sustainable. It is also relevant to students and professionals interested in environmental policy, resource management, and institutional economics.

About the Author

Elinor Ostrom was a remarkable political scientist and economist, acclaimed as one of the leading scholars in New Institutional Economics and political economy. In 2009, she became the first woman to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons. Ostrom served in high academic positions at Indiana University and Arizona State University, where she conducted extensive research on institutional diversity and the sustainable management of resources.

Online Reading Material: Governing the Commons on Google Books

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10. Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

This book introduces behavioural economics to inform public policy and improve decisions and outcomes. Understanding how people make decisions and how to design policies that guide even better choices is important in designing effective policies.

Why Read This?: 

A New York Times bestseller—with more than 1.5 million copies sold—Nudge is the book that brought behavioural economics to the public’s attention. This understanding of how people make choices and how policies can be designed to guide better decisions is crucial for the successful design of policies.

About the Authors:

• Richard H. Thaler: Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economics, Richard Thaler is the Ralph and Dorothy Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioural Science and Economics at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. His latest book is “Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics”.
• Cass R. Sunstein: Cass Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School and the author of “Impeachment: A Citizen’s Guide”.

Online Reading Material: Nudge on Google Books

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Conclusion

These ten books are essential for beginners, students, and professionals in public policy. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of policy-making and offer valuable insights into the various considerations required before designing a policy.

About ISPP

The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP). ISPP is the first school of public policy in India focused on the design and management of institutions and the rules that govern society. Established by a distinguished council of policy experts, administrators, philanthropists, and senior academicians, ISPP aims to develop a new class of policy leaders through its year-long post-graduate certificate programme in Policy, Design & Management.

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