Comparative Politics: An Introduction

A modern, up-to-date and extremely well written new introductory text, written by an experienced author and specialist in the field. The approach hangs around the three main themes of liberalization, globalization and democratization.

"Politics is not just a game. It is the ultimate game" Comparative Politics takes a truly international approach to thestudy of different political systems. Using a clear analytical frameworkand focusing on three key concepts: democratisation, liberalisation andglobalisation, Comparative Politics explains how governments andpolitical establishments gain, exercise and maintain power. Case studies and examples of different types of government from around the world vividly illustratethe text. Not only liberal democracies, but authoritarian and military systems are considered, and the impact of new social movements, and their opposition to the centralisation of power is also explored.   Key features: * Global perspective * Clear and distinctive analytical framework * Three themes: democratisation, liberalisation and globalisation * 12 case studies to illustrate key aspects * Brief analyses of 22 leading countries  * Sample examination questions * Broad bibliography and suggestions for further reading *Supporting webside material - see p.vii   Peter Calvert has been Professor of Comparative and International Politicsat the University of Southampton since 1984. He has more than forty yearsteaching experience at University level, is the author, co-author or editor of some thirty books and has since 1996 been co-editor of the journal Democratization.