Understanding the Political World

Understanding the Political World is a dynamic and accessible introduction to the fascinating world of politics and the ways in which political scientists attempt to describe and explain it. Using a strong comparative framework, the text links the central analytical concepts of political science that have emerged over decades of research to the realities of the political world of the early 21st century. With a highly-praised art program and lively boxed features, Understanding the Political World engages students as it encourages them to think like political scientists. The Fifth Edition has been thoroughly updated so that students have the information and tools they need to think about the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. Features and Benefits New - Discussions of the powerful impacts of nation-based identity and ethnonationalism throughout the book (Chs. 5, 11, 14). New - Discussions of recent economic, political and social changes, both positive and negative, in the post-Communist developed countries are analyzed (Ch.15). New - Chapter 14 "The Developing Countries" focuses more explicitly on the challenges generated by the globalization of political and economic institutions. New - Updated explorations of the resource inequalities between countries and within countries (Chs. 13, 14, 15). New - Analysis of key emerging "newly industrialized countries" in Latin America and Asia (Ch. 15). New - Glossary of Terms helps students learn the language of politics and political science. New - Chapter 10 from previous edition deleted and key sections from that chapter integrated in appropriate places throughout text. Strong comparative framework- Examples from all over the world are used because by comparing and contrasting, students will gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and processes in the political world. Engaging boxed excerpts that offer rich, memorable examples of key concepts and issues, making concepts concrete for students. Examples of boxed discussions include- Russias struggles to establish democratic parties and a market economy (15.1), the political impacts of new technologies (4.3), and the effects of colonialism and neocolonialism on the Congo (12.2). A highly-praised art program political cartoons and photographs with instructive captions further engage students in the text. Emphasis on quantitative and analytical approaches to gaining understanding about politics. Encourages the reader to think about the world as a political scientist does. Focus on political economy. This introduction to political scienceoffers a personal writing style and a comparative perspective that illuminates how politics works at the individual, group, national, and global levels. Students value the book's relevance to their experience of today's world, its engaging, highly readable writing style, and the many intriguing examples (including more than 60 found in boxed discussions) from every part of the world, making concepts more vivid and memorable. The numerous political cartoons, compelling photographs, maps, and analytic diagrams effectively sustain students' interest and elaborate on key concepts. Instructors appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of key theories and concepts and the logical manner in which it explores many of the interesting questions addressed by political scientists.