The book delves into the transformative impact of school choice initiatives on public education debates in the U.S. Michael Mintrom analyzes open-enrollment policies, charter schools, and voucher plans, revealing the dynamics behind their rise in state politics. By introducing the concept of policy entrepreneurship, he highlights how innovative individuals can drive significant policy changes. Through a blend of original theory and research, Mintrom reshapes the understanding of policy formation and the role of energetic advocates in making school choice a reality.
This element explores the reconfiguration of interactions between universities
and the state, while highlighting the role policy analysis can play in
explaining these dynamics. This element reveals how universities, remain
subject to a multifaceted form of nation state oversight as they continue to
globalise in an uncertain world.
Human rights come into question in times of crisis. But should we wait for crises to arise before we discuss these rights? Advancing human rights should be everyone's business, not just that of a select group of public interest lawyers, conspiracy theorists or those who prefer tinfoil hats. Human rights are routinely debated in the wake of scandals. Think about the quality of care in nursing homes, the treatment of illegal immigrants, and police practices towards Indigenous people in custody--all examples of crises that demand remedies and receive less than satisfactory solutions. Our rights certainly became an issue of heated public debate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael Mintrom argues that the advancement of human rights is an investment: our efforts today will create ongoing benefits for society. He finds the answers in enhancing the quality and accessibility of early childhood education, shutting down the school-to-prison pipeline, and assisting former prisoners during their re-entry into society. Beyond these powerful examples, he also suggests other candidates for policy change that will lead to the progression of human rights. In a caring society, the question of how to advance human rights should lie at the heart of public policymaking.
This Element assesses the current state of knowledge on policy entrepreneurs,
their actions, and their impacts. It explains how various global forces are
creating new demand for policy entrepreneurship, and suggests directions for
future research on policy entrepreneurs and their efforts to drive dynamic
change.
