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"Bara and Pennington's edited volume successfully fills a huge void in the market for introductory textbooks to comparative politics which previously offered either descriptions of political processes and systems or overviews of the methodology of comparative analysis. By applying major political science theories to overviews of the core elements of political systems, the authors both enhance our understanding of these elements and provide readers an excellent introduction to comparative explanation." —David Howarth, University of Edinburgh This book provides a distinctive new introduction to the study of comparative politics at the undergraduate level. Rich in case study material and global in coverage, Comparative Politics sets out the basic theoretical and methodological foundations for studying different political systems as well as the key structures and actors of which they are comprised.Part I explores the nature of comparative methodology and introduces students to the major theoretical paradigms that seek to explain the operation of institutions in democratic states and facilitate comparison across different political systems. Part II examines the institutional structures of the modern state, outlining the key features such as the electoral systems and territorial and functional divisions of government across a range of modern states. Part III analyzes the role of key actors, such as voters and parties, interest groups and social movements, the bureaucracy, and the judiciary.Intended Audience: This book is an essential primer for students on first year courses in comparative government and politics as well as introductory courses in political science concepts and methods.
