Foundations of Comparative Politics - 2nd ed.

This student-friendly introduction to the key theories and concepts of comparative politics now provides even broader coverage of the world's democracies, with examples drawn from across the globe. Foundations of Comparative Politics contains a wealth of information, clearly structured and easy to read, with clear definition of Key Terms. It covers all the important themes in the field, including constitutional design and institutions; mass and elite politics; policy-making and implementation; and the future of the state and democracy in a globalising world. A new chapter on studying comparative politics, and new 'What Have We Learned?' and 'Lessons of Comparison' summary sections help students pull together the lessons of each chapter. Combining facts and theory throughout, debate is stimulated through the use of Controversy boxes, and Fact Files and Briefings give students interesting data that illustrates the key issues in the text. Online resources, including MCQs and Powerpoint slides, complete the package. • New edition of this clearly structured and easy to read introduction to comparative politics from two leading researchers and experienced textbook writers • New introduction on 'Why study comparative politics?' and postscript on 'How and What to Compare' help students engage with comparative methods • Broad coverage of democratic governments is brought to life for the student through case studies and examples from across the globe

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Reviews:

'Thanks to new chapters on the purpose and method of making comparisons plus a separate chapter on democratization, this revised edition is even more comprehensive than the last.' - Matthijs Bogaards, Jacobs University Bremen '… both intelligent and accessible … this book has the virtue of compelling students to think through basic choices confronting mature Western democracies in the 21st century. The authors make big ideas accessible by introducing the student to diverse briefings, controversies, and fact files that whet the appetite for active debate. In short, the book is a gem which will make teaching more fun for teachers and more meaningful for students.' - Liesbet Hooghe, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill '… an ideal textbook for the 21st century, in which democracy may remain the dominant paradigm but in which the world's democracies face many grave challenges to their well-being and even survival.' - Arend Lijphart, University of California, San Diego

Introduction: why comparative politics? Part I. The State: Origins and Development 1. The development of the modern state 2. States and democracy 3. Democratic change and persistence Part II. The Polity: Structures and Institutions 4. Constitutions 5. Presidential and parliamentary government 6. Multi-level government: international, national and sub-national 7. Policy making and legislating: executives and legislatures 8. Implementation: the public bureaucracy Part III. Citizens, Elites and Interest Mediation 9. Political attitudes and behaviour 10. Pressure groups and social movements 11. The mass media 12. Voters and elections 13. Party government Part IV. Policies and Performance 14. Political ideologies: conservatism, liberalism, Christian democracy and socialism 15. Decision making 16. Defence and security 17. Welfare 18. The future of the democratic state Postscript: how and what to compare