Commentary—Insights From Public Policy Analysis for International Studies

One of the most popular approaches to public policy analysis is the Eightfold Path approach pioneered by Bardach and Patashnik. The focus is problem solving and does not divorce the scholar‐analyst from the question being addressed. This commentary assesses the utility of using the approach as a way of making sense of evidence in international studies concerning three subjects: climate change, transboundary water issues, and terrorism. We argue that the Eightfold Path is a useful tool to help international studies scholars—and particularly students—analyze serious international problems. It could eventually help turn attention to these problems, leading to a more cooperative dynamic at the international level.