• Includes an unparalleled amount of empirical material to support students in their understanding of the real-world relevance of the comparative method
• Explores the theory, history, institutions, structures, and public policies of different political systems to offer students new to the subject a comprehensive first introduction
• Its cutting-edge treatment of theories in comparative politics showcases innovative ideas to inspire and engage students
• Written by a diverse team of scholars, enabling students to learn directly from leading experts

New to this Edition:

• The 6th edition includes new chapters on the nation state, electoral systems, the impact of public policies, and promoting and protecting democracy
• New 'applied' end of chapter questions invite students to practice applying comparative theories and methodologies to real world issues
• Additional coverage has been added throughout on authoritarian states, populism, nationalism, migration, political violence, gender equality, and environmental politics
• New contemporary examples focus on non-Western states, and multi-ethnic societies

   
With unparalleled empirical material, this is the most comprehensive introduction to comparative politics written by the leading experts in the field who bring together a diverse and informed international perspective on comparative politics. Six new authors join the team for the sixth edition, bringing fresh ideas and insights to the comparative analysis the book provides.
  
The new edition has been brought fully up to date with coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and challenges to the global international order. A new chapter on the Nation-State and multicultural citizenship focuses on identity, community, ethnicity, migration, and regions. In addition to this, a new chapter 11, 'Direct Democracy', provides cutting-edge analysis of referendums, citizen assemblies, and other forms of democratic innovations. Additional analysis of gender equality, poverty, and climate change is provided from a global perspective in the new chapter 22, which examines the impact of public policies. And finally, a new chapter 25, 'Promoting and Protecting Democracy', draws on the latest developments, such as global shifts towards authoritarian regimes and autocracy, and international relations perspectives, to present a clear overview of democracy promotion.
  
An unrivalled amount of empirical material in the text illustrates the key similarities and differences across political systems. The wealth of empirical data also encourages students to go beyond the 'what' of comparison to the 'how'. Combining cutting edge treatment of theories and truly global geographical coverage, this exciting textbook is essential reading for all comparative politics students.