Introducing Comparative Politics: Concepts and Cases in Context

Organized thematically around important questions in comparative politics, the Sixth Edition of Introducing Comparative Politics integrates a set of extended case studies that vividly illustrate issues in cross-national context for 11 countries. The cases are placed within the chapters where they make the most sense —not separated from the theory or in a separate volume—helping students make connections between theory and practice earlier in the semester and giving them a more holistic view of comparative politics.

Table of Contents:
Part I: A Framework For Understanding Comparative Politics Chapter 1: Introduction Comparative Politics: What Is It? Why Study It? How to Study It? How Do Comparativists Study Politics? Three Meta Questions in Comparative Politics Plan of the Book Chapter 2: The Modern State Characteristics of the Modern State Historical Origins of Modern States Strong, Weak, and Failed States Case Studies of State Formation Chapter 3: States, Citizens, And Regimes Citizens and Civil Society Regimes, Ideologies, and Citizens Liberal Democracy Communism Fascism Modernizing Authoritarianism Electoral Authoritarianism Theocracy Chapter 4: States And Identity Understanding Identity Groups and Demands The Policy Debate Descent-Based Groups: Nation, Ethnicity, Race, and Religion Social Class Gender and Sexual Orientation: The Continuing Struggle for Recognition, Social Status, and Representation Part II: Political Systems And How They Work Chapter 5: Governing Institutions In Democracies Executives and Legislatures Comparing Executive–Legislative Institutions Judiciary Bureaucracy Federalism Chapter 6: Institutions Of Participation And Representation In Democracies The Electoral System Formal Institutions: Political Parties and Party Systems Civil Society Case Studies in Participation and Representation Chapter 7: Contentious Politics: Social Movements, Political Violence, And Revolution Framing Contentious Politics Political Violence Revolution Chapter 8: Authoritarian Institutions Trends in Authoritarian Rule The Dictator’s Dilemma: Governing Authoritarian Regimes Elections, Parties, and Legislatures Clientelism and Civil Society Case Studies of Authoritarian Rule Chapter 9: Regime Change Trends in Regime Change Transitions to Democracy Transitions to Authoritarian Rule Part III: Political Economy And Policy Chapter 10: Political Economy Of Wealth The Market, Capitalism, and the State Key Economic Debates Globalization: A New World Order or Déjà Vu All Over Again? States and Markets around the World Chapter 11: Political Economy Of Development What Is “Development”? Development and Globalization The Development Debate Regional Variations and Models Explaining Development Success Case Studies in Development Chapter 12: Public Policies When Markets Fail: Welfare, Health, And The Environment “Welfare”: Social Policy in Comparative Perspective Health Care and Health Policy Environmental Problems and Policy

About the Author :
Stephen Orvis is Professor of Government at Hamilton College. He is a specialist on sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya in particular), identity politics, democratic transitions, and the political economy of development. He has been teaching introduction to comparative politics for more than twenty-five years, as well as courses on African politics, nationalism and the politics of identity, political economy of development, and weak states. He has written a book and articles on agricultural development in Kenya, as well as several articles on civil society in Africa and Kenya, and is currently doing research on political institutions in Africa. Carol Ann Drogus is a retired Professor of Government at Hamilton College. She is a specialist on Brazil, religion, and women’s political participation. She taught introduction to comparative politics for more than twenty years, as well as courses on Latin American politics, gender and politics, and women in Latin America. She has written two books and numerous articles on the political participation of women in religious movements in Brazil.

Review :
"A solid textbook on the major topics in comparative politics that integrates case studies, most of which are recurring, in each chapter." "A theoretically-motivated but approachable introduction to comparative politics." "The graphics in the book are extremely reader-friendly. The language is clear and easy for students to follow. Instructor resources are quite helpful (and a key part of my decision-making). Overall, this is the best comparative politics text for undergrads that I have found. It covers all the important topics in the field and presents them in a way that is accessible to students." "An excellent resource for the political scientist who is teaching comparative politics for the first time." "Orvis and Drogus have authored a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to comparative politics which will engage today′s undergraduates." "In depth case studies and analysis of particular topics in comparative politics" "This is a great introductory comparative politics text for both majors and non-majors. The material is accessible for non-discipline students, and easily lends itself to connections with other academic disciplines. The structure of the content is flexible enough to allow for the integration of current events." What a fantastic book! It has great case studies that are very contemporary and lots of relevant discussions on things my students are really interested in, like political protest and identity politics. All the resources, like slides and lecture notes, are great, and I′m able to use those quite effectively in my classes. This book has nailed what comparative politics is all about.