Full Description
"Politics is a gateway to a broader and better understanding of human nature, society, and the world." This idea has inspired each edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES. Thomas Magstadt's book provides in-depth coverage of contemporary political issues and calls attention to the more enduring underlying questions. With its intense, engaging "politics are pertinent" theme, the 12th edition will fascinate you with its analysis of three fundamental premises: politics is a pervasive force in modern society; government is too important to be left in the hands of a few; and everyone has the opportunity to participate in public life in a democracy. This edition focuses on vital topics and concepts such as democracy, dictatorship, ideology, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, public policy, leadership, war, revolution, foreign policy, world politics, and international law.
Contents
1. Introduction2. The Idea of the Public Good: Ideologies and Isms.Part I: COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS: MODELS AND THEORIES.3. Utopias: Model States.4. Constitutional Democracy: Models of Representation.5. The Authoritarian Model: Myth and Reality.6. The Totalitarian Model: A False Utopia.Part II: ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING DEMOCRACIES.7. Parliamentary Democracy: Pros and Cons of Perishable Governments.8. States and Economies in Transition: Between Democracy and Yesterday.9. Development: Myths and Realities.10. Political Socialization: The Making of a Citizen.11. Political Participation: The Limits of Democracy.12. Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power.13. Issues in Public Policy: Politics, Principles, Priorities, and Practices.14. Revolution: In the Name of Justice.15. War: Politics by Other Means.16. Terrorism: War, Crimes, or War Crimes?Part V: POLITICS WITHOUT GOVERNMENT.17. International Relations: The Struggle for World Order.18. Afterword: The Power of Knowledge.Endnotes.Glossary.Index.
