"A comprehensive, multidisciplinary examination of the concepts embodied in governance and their wide-ranging applications and implications. An important read and reference for students and academics in the social sciences, particularly those engaged in public policy studies."-Carolyn J. Heinrich, University of Wisconsin-MadisonThe language of governance has risen to prominence in the last twenty years as a way of describing and explaining changes in the nature and role of the state but the concepts involved can be confusing, as they are often new and come from diverse disciplinary and theoretical settings. Key Concepts in Governance provides a clear introduction to the technical concepts and policies of contemporary governance through short definitional essays. Each entry features: a snapshot definition of the concept a contextualization of the concept an overview of relevant debates a guide to further reading The book also includes a substantial introductory chapter which gives an overview of governance studies as a whole, orientating and guiding the reader around the issues that the concepts address. Intended Audience Highly readable, with clear indexing and cross referencing, this is an ideal book for students on introductory courses and an indispensable resource for anyone interested in governance.Mark Bevir is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley