Controversial Issues in Public Policy – serie

A key long-term challenge faced by the United States and other leading world economies is breaking the link between economic growth and oil consumption. The energy price shocks of 1973 and 1979 showed the fragility of these dependent relationships and their impact on world politics. Alfred Marcus ably examines U.S. energy policymaking and reveals both the shortcomings and failures--as well as the surprising successes--of past energy-policy efforts. Following a review of events that transpired in the Persian Gulf after August, 1990, Marcus examines worldwide trends in energy production/consumption since the first energy-supply crisis of 1973. Ensuing chapters discuss the economics and politics of energy policy, the role(s) of markets and governments, and parts played by supplier and user nations from countries to cartels. Unique to this text is Marcus's review of U.S. policies and reactions to energy shortages as compared with the experiences of other major consuming nations (Japan, France, and Great Britain). At a time when energy policy is among the most important issues in world politics, Controversial Issues in Energy Policy skillfully outlines new and enduring issues of energy policy for academics and students in public policy, political science, public administration, and economics, as well as policy makers. "Marcus provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of policy and politics around a vitally important resource." --Political Studies Association

A key long-term challenge faced by the United States and other leading world economies is breaking the link between economic growth and oil consumption. The energy price shocks of 1973 and 1979 showed the fragility of these dependent relationships and their impact on world politics. Alfred Marcus ably examines U.S. energy policymaking and reveals both the shortcomings and failures--as well as the surprising successes--of past energy-policy efforts. Following a review of events that transpired in the Persian Gulf after August, 1990, Marcus examines worldwide trends in energy production/consumption since the first energy-supply crisis of 1973. Ensuing chapters discuss the economics and politics of energy policy, the role(s) of markets and governments, and parts played by supplier and user nations from countries to cartels. Unique to this text is Marcus's review of U.S. policies and reactions to energy shortages as compared with the experiences of other major consuming nations (Japan, France, and Great Britain). At a time when energy policy is among the most important issues in world politics, Controversial Issues in Energy Policy skillfully outlines new and enduring issues of energy policy for academics and students in public policy, political science, public administration, and economics, as well as policy makers. "Marcus provides a valuable insight into the dynamics of policy and politics around a vitally important resource." --Political Studies Association

Current debates in education--parental choice, decentralization, accountability, schools as social-center hubs, desegregation, bilingual education, the role of business, and school financing--are discussed in this outstanding volume. For each issue, Louann Bierlein examines tensions among conflicting ideals of conservatism and liberalism and tensions among the basic societal values of equity, liberty, efficiency, and excellence. The basic structure of schooling is reviewed as are the multiple lines of control. In addition, she provides an historical framework, beginning with the conscious choice by our forefathers to make education a state responsibility and ending with current discussions regarding national standards and testing as part of the America 2000 efforts. Rather than offering a single viewpoint, Bierlein draws upon the work of numerous educational scholars and political scientists representing both strong reform advocates and critics. Providing multiple sides to each topic, she equips readers--whether policy makers or students--with a foundation necessary to carefully analyze the debates.

Current debates in education--parental choice, decentralization, accountability, schools as social-center hubs, desegregation, bilingual education, the role of business, and school financing--are discussed in this outstanding volume. For each issue, Louann Bierlein examines tensions among conflicting ideals of conservatism and liberalism and tensions among the basic societal values of equity, liberty, efficiency, and excellence. The basic structure of schooling is reviewed as are the multiple lines of control. In addition, she provides an historical framework, beginning with the conscious choice by our forefathers to make education a state responsibility and ending with current discussions regarding national standards and testing as part of the America 2000 efforts. Rather than offering a single viewpoint, Bierlein draws upon the work of numerous educational scholars and political scientists representing both strong reform advocates and critics. Providing multiple sides to each topic, she equips readers--whether policy makers or students--with a foundation necessary to carefully analyze the debates.