Comparative Politics Political Economy, Political Culture, and Political Interdependence

Summary: This readable introduction to the theory and practice of comparative politics views politics as a complex process involving a broad range of institutional, behavioral, and textual factors. These concepts are used as a basis for analyzing ten countries that will play a dominant role in shaping the world community and that represent a cross-section of diverse regions, economic systems, and levels of development. Each c...hapter reviews the country's history; its major political institutions and the way they influence the policy-making process; the role of elites, parties, groups, and masses; and the broader cultural, economic, and international contexts. Each chapter concludes with a current assessment of the country in terms of the United Nations' definition of good government and a discussion of future challenges. [read more]