Beyond Machiavelli

Comparing policy analysis in the 1960s, when it was created, with its practice in the 1990s, Beryl Radin analyzes the transformations the profession has undergone since its birth and offers a provocative conception of its practice. Radin explores the sinificant changes that have taken place in the field, including attitudes toward politics, skills and methodologies required, views about information and data, and shifts in modes of decision making. While some argue that the 1960s were the golden day of the profession when desicion makers listened to experts, Radin agrues that the earlier version of the field held to traditions of elitism and secrecy and that policy analysis in the 1990s, pluralistic and open, is a more democratic American profession.