Synopses & Reviews
The text gives undergraduate students a very thorough introduction to political theory, political ideologies, political behaviour, the policy process and political institutions although it obviously also has some coverage of British politics, the EU and international relations.
The new edition is revised and updated throughout since the last edition (2002) and has the following new features:
- Case studies on the global financial crisis, global environmental policy, innovations in President Obamaa (TM)s election campaign, and security /counter terrorism
- A more thorough analysis of the centrality of power to our understanding of the political and its impact on politics
- Expanded coverage of political institutions illustrated by case studies highlighting their role in the operations of civil society and the state.
- A wider discussion of governance, including territorial, multi-level and global governance
- An engagement with the emergence of global civil society and the new forms of political participation and activity made possibly by innovations in information and communication technologies
- A highlighting of issues of identity and citizenship in a social, national and transnational context
- An emphasis on the international and global dimensions of theory and the increased influence of political Islam
- A critical account of the challenges to sovereignty posed by the shift from the territorial nation-state and the renewed challenges of globalization
Synopsis
The eagerly-awaited 3rd edition of this highly respected and user-friendly text for introductory courses has been thoroughly updated to reflect the world today. It provides completely updated and stimulating coverage of topics essential to the understanding of contemporary politics. It offers students necessary guidance on ways of studying and understanding politics, and illustration of the many different sites at which politics is construed and conducted. Ideal for students taking combined degrees at introductory level in politics and the social sciences, it emphasizes the individual and social dimension of politics and covers theories and concepts in an accessible way.
Key features include:
- Revised introduction considering 'what is politics' and how we understand and approach its study
- New chapter structure (esp. Part 3) organised thematically around the politics of power to provide more imaginitive and accessible coverage political insitutions and governance
- New examples and case studies including: Ukraine, the Arab Spring; the "Charlie Hebdo" shootings; "Fertility tourism" in India; Hydropower in Cambodia
- More on democratization, authoritarian regimes, direct democracy, gender critical perspectives, minority rights, freedom of speech, global capitalism, social movements, radical political change and post-secularism, and challenges and changes posed by social media
- Companion website to include: tbc after further discussion and research