Now in its third edition, this unique textbook remains a favourite for introductory undergraduate courses in comparative politics. It features twelve theoretically and historically grounded country studies that show how the three major concepts of comparative analysis - interests, identities, and institutions - shape the politics of nations and regions. Written in a style free of heavy-handed jargon and organized to address the concerns of contemporary comparativists, this textbook provides students with the conceptual tools and historical background they need to understand the politics of our complex world. This third edition introduces completely new chapters on the European Union, France, and Nigeria.

• All chapters are fully revised and updated with new chapters on Nigeria, the European Union and France • Expanded ‘Stop-and-Compare’ sections draw out important comparisons between countries • Improved companion website

Contents

1. What is comparative politics? Jeffrey Kopstein and Mark Lichbach; 2. The framework of analysis Jeffrey Kopstein and Mark Lichbach; Part I. Early Developers: 3. Britain Peter Rutland; 4. France Laurence Mcfalls; Part II. Middle Developers: 5. Germany Andrew C. Gould; 6. Japan Miranda A. Schreurs; Part III. Late Developers: 7. Russia Stephen E. Hanson; 8. China Yu-Shan Wu; Part IV. Experimental Developers: 9. Mexico Anthony Gill; 10. India Rudra Sil; 11. Iran Vali Nasr; 12. South Africa Michael Bratton; 13. The European Union Paulette Kurzer; 14. Nigeria Okechukwu Iheduru.