The Challenge of Politics: An Introduction to Political Science

This textbook for an introductory course integrates four traditional subfields of political science: political theory, American government, comparative politics, and international relations. It encourages students to ask questions about how to create a more just society and how to balance the rights of the individual with the interests of society. Part I provides an introduction to political science, and Part II, on political philosophy and ideology, covers liberal democracy, democratic socialism and communism, and dictatorship and authoritarian states. Part III addresses comparative and world politics. Part IV invites students to apply the tools of political science to four policy areas: war and peace in the modern age, the battle for human rights, the struggle for economic well being, and ecological health. This third edition adds discussion of the George W. Bush administration, plus an expanded art program of b&w photos and illustrations. The redesigned companion web site contains chapter objectives and summaries, flashcards, quizzes, and links. Riemer was affiliated with Drew University. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Neal Riemer (late) was the Andrew V. Stout Professor of Political Philosophy at Drew University. He was the recipient of outstanding teaching awards at both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Drew. His books include The Revival of Democratic Theory, The Democratic Experiment, and The Future of the Democratic Revolution: Toward a More Prophetic Politics. He was editor and/or coauthor of Problems of American Government, World Affairs: Problems and Prospects, and New Thinking and Developments in International Politics: Opportunities and Dangers.

Douglas W. Simon is professor of political science at Drew University, specializing in international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, international organizations, and national security. In 1991, he was the first recipient of Drews Presidential Distinguished Teaching Award and that same year received the Sears Outstanding Educator Award. He has contributed to such publications as the Harvard Journal of World Affairs, East Asian Survey, Comparative Political Studies, International Studies Notes, Teaching Political Science, and Society.

Joseph Romance is associate professor of political science at Drew University, where he focuses on American politics and political theory. Romance is the coauthor of A Republic of Parties? Debating the Two-Party System and is a contributor to, and a coeditor of, two new books, Democracy and Excellence: Conflict or Concord? and Democracys Literature. His articles and reviews have appeared in American Review of Politics and Newsday, and he has contributed to numerous edited volumes, including Progressive Politics in the Global Age.