Introduction to Politics

by Garner, Robert; Ferdinand, Peter; Lawson, Stephanie

• ISBN13: 9780199605729
• ISBN10: 0199605726
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-06-18
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Bringing together an expert team of authors,Introduction to Politics,Second Edition, provides an intellectually stimulating yet accessible introduction to politics that takes current global realities into account. The text is divided into three sections that reflect the authors' expertise: concepts and ideologies, comparative politics, and international relations. Moving beyond a descriptive narrative, the authors take an analytical approach that introduces students to the debates and inherent complexities of the topics covered. Adopting an international perspective, the authors avoid a focus on Western democracies and assumptions of liberal democratic supremacy, instead illustrating points by using examples from a wide range of places including the Islamic states, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. One third of the book is dedicated to international relations, and the authors also examine transnational factors and forces throughout. Introduction to Politicsis enhanced by excellent pedagogical features including case-study boxes, numerous practical examples, readers' guides, key points, cross-references, a guide to further reading, and a glossary. An innovative Companion Website features additional case studies and a variety of resources for both students and instructors. New to this Edition: * A substantially revised final section on global politics that is more integrated with the first two parts of the text * A new case study on Wikileaks, a highly topical example * Increased coverage of hung parliaments, federal systems, the financial crisis, and securitization

Table of Contents

Introduction Politics and Political Analysis

Concepts and Ideologies

Politics and the State

Political Power and Authority

Democracy

Freedom and Justice

Traditional Ideologies

Challenges to the Dominant Ideologies

Comparative Politics

Institutions and States

Constitutions, Law and Judiciaries

Executives and Legislators

Bureaucracies, Policy Studies and Governance

Votes, Elections, Parties

Civil Society, Interest Groups and the Media

Political Culture

Global Politics

International Global Politics

Traditional Theories in Global Politics

Critical Approaches to Global Politics

Security and Insecurity

Diplomacy and Foreign Policy

International Organizations in Global Politics

Global Political Economy

Conclusion

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