Description
Building on the strengths of the third edition, this highly regarded textbook continues to provide the best introduction to the strategies of comparative research in political science. Divided into three parts, the book begins by examining different methods, applying these methods to dominant issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples from around the world, and then discusses the new challenges in the area. This thoroughly revised and updated edition features:
- Additional contemporary case studies including the democratisation of technology and the Arab Spring;
- Detailed discussion of regression analysis and diffusion;
- More analysis of justice, inequality, and compliance;
- Reflection on new methods and treatments of contemporary comparative politics.
Balancing reader friendly features with high quality analysis makes this popular academic text is essential reading for everyone interested in comparative politics and research methods.
Table of Contents
Introduction
PART I: WHY, HOW, AND PROBLEMS OF COMPARISON
1. Why Compare Countries?
Reasons for comparison
The science in political science
Scientific terms and concepts
Summary
Further reading
2. How to Compare Countries
Methods of comparison
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single country studies as comparison
Choosing countries and problems of comparison
Summary
Further reading
3. Comparing Many Countries
Starting assumptions
Measuring concepts
Basic regression analysis
Extending the basic regression model
Limitations to global comparative analysis
Summary
Further reading
4. Comparing Few Countries
Assumptions
Case selection and research design
Combining quantitative and qualitative comparison
Limitations of few-country comparisons
Summary
Further reading
5. Single-Country Studies as Comparison
Functions of single-country studies
Raising observations in single-country studies
Limitations of single-study studies
Summary
Further reading
PART II: COMPARING COMPARISONS
6. Economic Development and Democracy
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
7. Violent Political Dissent and Social Revolution
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
8. Non-Violent Political Dissent and Social Movements
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
9. Transitions to Democracy
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
10. Institutional Design and Democratic Performance
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
11. Human Rights
The research problem
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
12. International Relations and Comparative Politics
Research problems
Comparing many countries
Comparing few countries
Single-country studies
Summary
Further reading
PART III: COMPARATIVE METHODS AND NEW ISSUES
13. Common Themes and Different Comparisons
Methodological trade-offs
Building theory
Conclusion: drawing the lessons
Further reading
14. New Challenges For Comparative Politics
Full circle
New methods
Maintaining relevance
Summary
Further reading
