Concepts and Issues in Comparative Politics: An Introduction to Comparative Analysis

For introductory courses in Comparative Politics.

This text approaches the study of comparative politics from a topical or thematic viewpoint. Rather than focus on descriptions of individual countries, it addresses the major issues and theories of comparative politics. The emphasis is on comparison as a tool for social science research as a means of understanding broader trends in world politics.

Compact and jargon-free, this book focuses on the major issues and themes of comparative politics. It limits its focus to ten major countries so readers won't be overwhelmed by excessive details. Democratization and globalization. Political issues and changes in developing countries. Alternative institutional frameworks. The effects of socioeconomic cleavages. Non-western cultures and values. Electoral systems. New directions in comparative research. For anyone wanting a readable introduction to comparative politics and a broader understanding of world politics.