Comparative Politics: an Introduction


By Peter Calvert
May 2002
Longman / Pearson Education
ISBN: 0-582-438233
362 Pages, Illustrated
$57.50 paper original


"Politics is not just a game. It is the ultimate game" Comparative Politics takes a truly international approach to the study of different political systems. Using a clear analytical framework and focusing on three key concepts- democratization, liberalization and globalization, Comparative Politics explains how governments and political establishments gain, exercise and maintain power. Case studies and examples of different types of government from around the world vividly illustrate the text. Not only liberal democracies, but authoritarian and military systems are considered, and the impact of new social movements, and their opposition to the centralization of power is also explored.

Key features: Global perspective. Clear and distinctive analytical framework. Three themes- democratization, liberalization and globalization. 12 case studies to illustrate key aspects. Brief analyses of 22 leading countries . Sample examination questions Broad bibliography and suggestions for further reading. Supporting website material .

Peter Calvert has been Professor of Comparative and International Politics at the University of Southampton since 1984. He has more than forty years teaching experience at University level, is the author, co-author or editor of some thirty books and has since 1996 been co-editor of the journal Democratization.


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