We are, in many ways, living in an environment of academic riches in terms of public policy theory. A series of notable texts and highly regarded national and international conferences reflect its importance. A serious caveat to this sanguine assessment is warranted, however. It is, of course, the elephant in the corner—the wounded and sagging figure of democracy. Democracy is both central to the governance of many countries and in trouble, but public policy scholars (especially the American school) appear not to see it, or conveniently restrict it to the analytic margins.