In recent years the nature of policy and politics has undoubtedly witnessed significant transformations.This has included the so-called transition from government to governance, epitomised by the inclusion of nonstate actors in the policy process and the increasing importance of global governance in shaping domestic policy. There has been a reframing of the state in delivering public services combined with rising public expectations about choice and quality. We have witnessed devastating civil unrest in vulnerable parts of the world that has placed the concepts of democracy, civil rights and a global duty to protect civilians in the spotlight. Concerns over the environment and climate change continue to grow, compounded by extreme weather events that have caused significant disruption in countries and major cities. Developments in science and technology have provided solutions to some of these problems, while also creating new inefficiencies and defects; for example, the rise of the ‘mediatised’ world, access to information and the global concerns over data security have all featured heavily in recent political and policy debates. Finally, the global economic downturn and associated austerity measures have had a fundamental impact on shaping macro political ideology and the design and delivery of public services in many parts of the world. Austerity politics has also raised important questions about equity and social justice in the provision of welfare and public services. All of these factors have forced scholars and practitioners to rethink policy and politics in the 21st century. In doing so they have challenged perceptions about the ways in which policy is studied, designed, delivered and appraised.

The aim of this book is to bring together world-leading scholars to reflect on the implications of some of these developments for the field of policy studies and the world of practice. In doing so, it provides a timely opportunity to think about recent changes in public and social policy and how this shapes academic endeavour in the field. The chapters provide critical reflections on the ways in which academia can engage with policy and practice to find solutions to ever more complex and multi-faceted social problems. All contributions emanate from a special anniversary issue of the journal (2013, 41, 4): 40 Years of Policy & Politics: Critical Reflections and Strategies for the Future, in which contemporary policy issues were examined while looking back at the policy lessons and experiences of the last 40 years.