Introduction to Politics

Combining theory, comparative politics, and international relations, Introduction to Politics provides a perfect introduction to the study of global politics. An accessible writing style, analytical approach, and a wide range of international examples to contextualize the content make it an ideal foundation for first-year politics students. As the only introductory text to cover both comparative politics and international relations, it is the most comprehensive, authoritative, and global introductory politics textbook on the market.

Written by three experts in the field, the text takes a balanced approached to the subject, serving as a strong foundation for further study. The material is explored in an accessible way, but also takes an analytical approach which encourages more critical study and debate.

An Online Resource Centre accompanies this text, and includes a range of resources for both students and lecturers.

For students
- Learn more about the people behind the theory with the "Key Thinkers" resource
- Test your understanding of the chapter content and receive instant feedback with self-marking multiple-choice questions
- Revise key terms and concepts with an online flashcard glossary

For instructors
- Encourage students to think critically with political scenario exercises
- Reinforce key themes from each chapter with suggested discussion questions for use in seminars
- Use the adaptable PowerPoint slides as the basis for a lecture presentation or as hand-outs in class
- Save time preparing assessments and seminars with a fully updated test bank of questions

Robert Garner is Professor of Politics at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

Peter Ferdinand is a Reader in Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

Stephanie Lawson is Professor of Politics and International Studies at Macquarie University, Australia.

Part 1: Concepts and Ideologies
by Robert Garner
Chapter 1 Introduction: Politics and Political Analysis
Chapter 2 Politics and the State
Chapter 3 Political Power and Authority
Chapter 4 Democracy
Chapter 5 Freedom and Justice
Chapter 6 Traditional Ideologies
Chapter 7 Challenges to the Dominant Ideologies

Part 2: Comparative Politics
by Peter Ferdinand
Chapter 8 Institutions and States
Chapter 9 Laws, Constitutions and Federalism
Chapter 10 Legislatures, Elections, Votes and Legislators
Chapter 11 Political Parties
Chapter 12 Executives, Bureaucracies, Policy Studies and Governance
Chapter 13 The Media, Civil Society and Interest Groups
Chapter 14 Democracies, Democratization and Authoritarian Regimes

Part 3: Global Politics
by Stephanie Lawson
Chapter 15 International Global Politics
Chapter 16 Traditional Theories in Global Politics
Chapter 17 Critical Approaches to Global Politics
Chapter 18 Security and Insecurity
Chapter 19 Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Chapter 20 International Organizations in Global Politics
Chapter 21 Global Political Economy
Chapter 22 Rising Powers in a post-globalisation world
Part 1: Concepts and Ideologies Robert Garner
1. Introduction: Politics and Political Analysis
2. Politics and the State
3. Political Power and Authority
4. Democracy
5. Freedom and Justice
6. Traditional Ideologies
7. Challenges to the Dominant Ideologies
Part 2: Comparative Politics Peter Ferdinand
8. Institutions and States
9. Laws, Constitutions and Federalism
10. Legislatures, Elections, Votes and Legislators
11. Political Parties
12. Executives, Bureaucracies, Policy Studies and Governance
13. The Media, Civil Society and Interest Groups
14. Democracies, Democratization and Authoritarian Regimes
Part 3: Global Politics Stephanie Lawson
15. International Global Politics
16. Traditional Theories in Global Politics
17. Critical Approaches to Global Politics
18. Security and Insecurity
19. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
20. International Organizations in Global Politics
21. Global Political Economy
22. Rising Powers in a post-globalisation world