Falk, Svenja, Glaab, Manuela, Römmele, Andrea, Schober, Henrik & Thunert, Martin (Hrsg.) (2019). Handbuch Politikberatung. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag. 623 Seiten. ISBN: 978-3-658-03482-5.

Abstract

After 13 years, this is the second edition of the Handbuch der Politikberatung – and the first problem is the translation of the title. The typical English translation would be Handbook of Policy Advice, but the term in Germany is used much more loosely, covering also all kinds political advice, i. e. public affairs, public relations, polls and survey research etc., and even what is called “participative advice” of and by citizens, nongovernmental organizations etc. In 39 contributions by more than 50 authors, disciplinary and theoretical aspects are covered, but especially all kinds of actors, both looking for and supplying this kind of advice are presented or present themselves. The handbook offers a good overview about the German scene, but it does not quite succeed in its aim to clarify and enhance the academic debate. Many contributions are by actors directly involved in this field, which offers interesting insights, but is something different than critical and detached analysis.