This course introduces different policy process theories and explores their application. We focus on the politics of policy making, including why certain issues move onto agenda while others remain excluded, how institutions can be set up to efficiently process the vast amount of information that finds its way into bureaucratic processes, and what engagement designs can better address citizen concerns and increase perceived legitimacy. We will also discuss the specific policies that governance is closely related to. Our purpose is to draw practical lessons from theoretical discussions about these topics and work out innovative policy proposals in response to real-world challenges. This course adopts a comparative approach to encourage the analysis of policy problems on local, regional, and international levels.