About the book

Comparative Politics and Government and Political Science are identical in content. The titles simply differ for the different regions it is sold in.

The 6th edition of Political Science: A Comparative Introduction (published by the US office of Palgrave Macmillan) is sold in North America. The 8th edition of Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction (published by the UK office of Palgrave Macmillan) is for sale in the rest of the world. Click on the titles or book covers to get catalogue and order details for each.

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Endorsements:
(Review of current edition)

'A compelling introduction to the major concepts, controversies, approaches and techniques needed to understand an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. Clearly written, accessible, and well supported by careful use of the evidence, this first-rate textbook provides a firm foundation for informed debate on comparative politics' - Pippa Norris, Harvard University

‘Already the best general introduction to comparative political science on the market, this textbook gets better and better with new sections in this new edition providing additional coverage of how the core theoretical ideas in modern political science explain political behaviour and institutions’ – Simon Hix, The London School of Economics and Political Science

'Intelligent, comprehensive and insightful, this book is a boon for both students and their teachers. Long established as one of the best introductions to political science and comparative politics it still manages to get even better with each successive edition.' - Peter Mair, University of Leiden

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(Reviews of previous editions)
'An excellent introductory text which thoughtfully and effectively combines political analysis with substantive comparison.' - B. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh

‘A model introductory textbook; up-to-date, comprehensive and well structured, with excellent visual aids.’ - George Jones, The London School of Economics and Political Science.

'The best introductory textbook in the field, up to date and full of useful examples.' - Reuven Hazan, The Hebrew University

 

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Table of Contents

PART 1: STUDYING POLITICS

• Political Concepts
• Theoretical Approaches
• Research Strategies

PART 2: STATES AND REGIMES

• The State
• Democracy
• Authoritarian Rule

PART 3: POLITICAL MOBILIZATION

• Political Culture
• Political Communication
• Political Participation
• Elections and Voters
• Political Parties
• Interest Groups

PART 4: GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE

• Constitutions and the Law
• Multilevel Governance
• Legislatures
• The Political Executive
• Public Management

PART 5: PUBLIC POLICY

• The Policy Process
• Political Economy

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Sample Chapter - click here

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About the Authors

Rod Hague was formerly Senior Lecturer in Politics at University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Martin Harrop is Senior Lecturer in Politics at University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and his research interests include Electoral Behaviour, Political Marketing and Comparative Politics.

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Feedback

We hope you find this site helpful. We are always open to making improvements, please do email us any feedback you have: martin.harrop@ncl.ac.uk