Global politics have been transformed by revolution and reformation in the last two decades. As political systems crashed or teetered precariously and entire governments and national boundaries dissolved, even the relatively stable industrialized democracies have been forced to reorganize their governments in the face of the increasing discontent of their citizens. Peters provides a concise and insightful guide to the fundamental ideas underlying these reform movements and their future impact on governance.

This revised edition includes three new chapters that add valuable analysis and perspective to current debates surrounding the political and administrative change in less-developed countries, the deficiencies of public administration theory, and the ways in which reform begets further reform and creates a belief in the desirability of continuous reform.