Introduction to Politics

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199231338 ISBN 13: 9780199231331

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2009

Bringing together an expert team of authors, Introduction to Politics provides an intellectually stimulating yet accessible introduction to politics that takes current global realities into account. The text is divided into three sections that reflect the authors' expertise: concepts and ideologies, comparative politics, and international relations. Moving beyond a descriptive narrative, the authors take an analytical approach that introduces students to the debates and inherent complexities of the topics covered.
Adopting an international perspective, Introduction to Politics avoids a focus on Western democracies and assumptions of liberal democratic supremacy, instead illustrating points by using examples from a wide range of places including the Islamic states, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. One third of the book is dedicated to international relations, and the authors also examine transnational factors and forces throughout.
Introduction to Politics is enhanced by excellent pedagogical features including case-study boxes, numerous practical examples, readers' guides, key points, cross-references, a guide to further reading, and a glossary. An innovative companion website features additional case studies and a variety of resources for both students and instructors.

About the Author:

Robert Garner is Professor of Politics at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester. Peter Ferdinand is Reader in Politics and International Studies at the Department of Politics and International Studies, and Director of the Centre for Studies in
Democratisation, at the University of Warwick. Stephanie Lawson is Professor in Asia-Pacific Studies at the Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Birmingham.

Review:

This book provides authoritative and accessible coverage of the three main building blocks of the modern study of politics. Professor Wyn Grant, University of Warwick Introduction to Politics is an outstanding textbook... I found it to be perfectly tuned to our students. Unlike many introductory books, it nicely balances political theory, comparative politics and international relations [and] combines history, theory and empirical data in just the right measures...Overall, an outstanding text that will serve teachers and students in the UK, North America and more widely, well. Dr Anthony F. Lang, University of St Andrews A tour de force of relevant and important information woven into a contemporary framework. Ken Duckett, University of Kent An absolute must for anyone interested in politics. It achieves the invaluable task of successfully demonstrating the pervasiveness of politics and will get all readers thinking politically... An invigorating back-to-basics read that reminded me why I first got interested in politics. Dr Liam Weeks, University College, Cork A first class introduction to the study of politics that is informed, incisive and accessible. Gillian Peele, University of Oxford