Introduction to Politics

Description

The only introductory textbook to bring together theory, comparative politics, and international relations, to provide the most comprehensive and global introduction to politics available.

• The only book to combine concepts and ideologies, comparative politics, and international relations in one volume, to provide a fully comprehensive introduction for undergraduates
• A wide range of contemporary and historical case studies from a variety of countries help students to place the theory in a real-world context
• The authors move beyond a descriptive narrative, taking an analytical approach that ensures students are challenged to form their own ideas and perspectives
• Complemented by a bounty of online resources for both lecturers and their students
• Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support

New to this edition

• A brand new Chapter 9 on non-Western approaches helps students to gain a more diverse understanding of political culture, institutions, and actors, with a particular focus on China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Iran, Turkey, and Russia
• New coverage of populism in Chapter 7 introduces students to this complex and controversial ideology
• Additional real-world examples and case-studies, such as 'Venezuela and the downfall of liberal democracy' and 'Uganda as a no-party state', help students contextualize theories and approaches

About the Author(s)

Robert Garner, Professor of Politics, University of Leicester, Peter Ferdinand, Emeritus Reader in Politics and International Relations, University of Warwick, and Stephanie Lawson, Professor of Politics and International Relations, Macquarie University

Table of Contents

1:Introduction: The Nature of Politics and Political Analysis
Part 1: Concepts and Ideologies
2:Politics and the State
3:Political Power, Authority, and the State
4:Democracy and Political Obligation
5:Freedom and Justice
6:Traditional Ideologies
7:Challenges to the Dominant Ideologies
Part 2: Comparative Politics
8:Institutions and States
9:Political Culture and Non-Western Political Ideas
10:Laws, Constitutions, and Federalism
11:Votes, Elections, Legislatures, and Legislators
12:Political Parties
13:Executives, Bureaucracies, Policy Studies, and Governance
14:Civil Society, Interest Groups, and the Media
15:Democracies, Democratization, and Authoritarian Regimes
Part 3: Global Politics
16:Introducing Global Politics
17:Traditional Theories in Global Politics
18:Critical Approaches to Global Politics
19:Security and Insecurity
20:Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
21:International Organizations in Global Politics
22:Global Political Economy
23:Conclusion: Towards a Globalizing, Post-Western-Dominated World

Reviews

"All chapters are written in a clear and accessible style. The tone is just right, particularly for demonstrating to students what they should be aiming for in coursework." - Sr Matthew Denton, York St John University

"[On new Chapter 9] The chapter is an excellent introduction to non-Western approaches to politics, and to how Western political ideas have been received outside of Europe and North America." - Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge, University of Derby

"One of the best textbooks available. It provides an excellent introduction to the main topics in political science." - Dr Hamdy Hassan, Zayed University, UAE

Additional Resources

Digital formats and resources

Introduction to Politics is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats.

The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks

Online resources accompany this text, and include a range of resources for both students and lecturers.

For students:
- Learn more about the people behind the theory with the 'Key Thinkers' resource
- Test your understanding of the chapter content and receive instant feedback with self-marking multiple-choice questions
- Revise key terms and concepts with an online flashcard glossary

For registered lecturers:
- Encourage students to think critically with political scenario exercises
- Reinforce key themes from each chapter with suggested discussion questions for use in seminars
- Use the adaptable PowerPoint slides as the basis for a lecture presentation, or as hand-outs in class
- Save time preparing assessments and seminars with a fully updated test bank of questions