Sarah James, "The Politics of Failed Policies" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Sarah James, "The Politics of Failed Policies" (Oxford UP, 2025)

From New Books in Public Policy by New Books Network

March 27, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how politics and data influence the recognition of failed policies, using case studies to explore the role of knowledge in American politics.

The Politics of Failed Policies (Oxford UP, 2025) examines how the interplay of politics and data affects when failed policies get recognized. It shows how compelling data and analysis is an important political tool for highlighting failure. Importantly, the research demonstrates how data and analysis themselves are the products of political processes and reflections of those in power. Using case studies from education and juvenile criminal justice and tax policy, the book makes a theoretical contribution to the study of policymaking, state politics, and the role of knowledge and information in contemporary American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy

People in this episode

Guest: Sarah James

Topics covered

  • politics
  • data analysis
  • failed policies
  • policymaking
  • state politics
  • knowledge in politics

Keywords

  • failed policies
  • politics
  • data
  • policymaking
  • education
  • juvenile justice
  • tax policy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oxford UP

Books & works: The Politics of Failed Policies

Places: American

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