Synopses & Reviews
Comparative Politics provides a comprehensive, theoretical, and methodological introduction to the field of comparative politics. In the sciences, theory is tested through direct experimentation. In politics, however, social scientists cannot simply manipulate an institution or law to see what might happen. Comparisons of different political contexts are thus central to political theory. Analyzing what happens when different countries modify constitutions or party systems provides useful information about the probable consequences of such changes among diverse political orders.
The world of politics is full rich and complex factors which influence the way people vote, how policies are made, or how interest groups lobby. Written by a well-established author with an international reputation, Comparative Politics, surveys the best work in the field, examining the issues involved in an attempt to compare political systems and discussing how the methods and results of comparative politics can be improved.
This valuable survey presents a wide array of case studies to illustrate how comparative analysts devise effective methods to construct meaningful theories about political systems. All major current approaches are covered, making this essential reading for students of politics and government.
Review
to come
Synopsis
Comparison is essential for the development of generalizations about politics and government. This book examines the issues involved in the attempts to compare political systems, and discusses how the methods and results of Comparative Politics can be improved. Covering a wide range of approaches to comparative research and presenting an array of case examples to illustrate his argument, Guy Peters provides both an accessible introduction to comparative methodology and a balance sheet of results and prospects.
Synopsis
Written by a prominent figure in the field, this book provides an accessible introduction to comparative methodology. Drawing on a wide range of approaches throughout, it is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand or research in this major area of political science.
About the Author
B. Guy Peters is Maurice Falk Professor of Government at the University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The Importance of Comparison
2. The Logic of Comparison
3. The Number of Cases and Which Ones?
4. Measurement and Bias
5. The Role of Theory in Comparative Politics
6. The Case Study
7. Building on Case Analysis
8. Events History and Change Over Time
9. Statistical Analysis
10. The Future of Comparative Politics