Comparative Politics: Political Economy, Political Culture, and Political Interdependence

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 chapter 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.Monte Palmer is the author of 'Comparative Politics: Political Economy, Political Culture, and Political Interdependence', published 2000 under ISBN 9780875814278 and ISBN 0875814271.