Reviews
"The hybrid approach is the primary reason I picked this book. Given my thematic approach, generic case studies that don't directly relate to a particular comparison or theme aren't very useful, so I appreciate the balance between thematic and case elements in the Orvis and Drogus text. My students have responded much more positively to this book than the previous offering. I think they find the writing level to be an attainable challenge." , The content of the case studies is excellent. Students easily grow bored with lengthy chapters on specific cases, but the thematic approach to the cases in the Orvis and Drogus text is much more interesting to my students., The presentation of core concepts is written in a clear, concise, and lively fashion that hooks the reader and doesn't overload with technical detail, while setting out most of the ideas I try to cover in my course. In general, the Orvis and Drogus text covers a wide range of country cases that are well selected for examining the themes and issues under discussion and is written in an engaging style that holds the reader's attention while covering concepts and explanations that are often quite sophisticated.
Table of Content
Regional and Country CoveragePrefacePART I A Framework for Understanding Comparative PoliticsCHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION The Big Issues Comparative Politics: What Is It? Why Study It? How to Study It? Three Key Questions in Comparative Politics Plan of the Book Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 2. THE MODERN STATE Characteristics of the Modern State Historical Origins of Modern States Strong, Weak, and Failed States Case Studies of State Formation Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 3. STATES, CITIZENS, AND REGIMES Citizens and Civil Society Regimes, Ideologies, and Citizens Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 4. STATES AND IDENTITY The Debate over Identity Identity-Based Political Mobilization and Violence Nations and Nationalism Ethnicity and Religion Race Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 5. STATES AND MARKETS The Market, Capitalism, and the State Key Economic Debates Globalization: A New World Order, or Déjà Vu All Over Again? States and Markets around the World Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesPART II Political Systems and How They WorkCHAPTER 6. GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS IN DEMOCRACIES Executives and Legislatures Comparing Executive-Legislative Institutions Judiciary Bureaucracy Federalism Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 7. INSTITUTIONS OF PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTATION IN DEMOCRACIES Formal Institutions: The Electoral System Formal Institutions: Political Parties and Party Systems Civil Society Patron-Client Relationships Case Studies in Participation and Representation Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 8. AUTHORITARIAN INSTITUTIONS Authoritarian Rule around the World Governing Institutions in Authoritarian Regimes Elections, Parties, and Civil Society in Authoritarian Regimes Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 9. REGIME CHANGE The Military in Politics: Coups d'État Revolution Democratization Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesPART III Issues and PoliciesCHAPTER 10. GLOBALIZATION, ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY, AND DEVELOPMENT Wealthy Countries: Globalization and Economic Sovereignty Development and Globalization Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 11. PUBLIC POLICIES WHEN MARKETS FAIL: WELFARE, HEALTH, AND THE ENVIRONMENT "Welfare": Social Policy in Comparative Perspective Health Care and Health Policy Environmental Problems and Policy Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesCHAPTER 12. POLICIES AND POLITICS OF INCLUSION AND CLASHING VALUES The Debate over Inclusion and Group Rights Politics of Inclusion and the Modern State Religion: Recognition, Autonomy, and the Secular State Gender: The Continuing Struggle for Equal Social Status, Representation, and Participation Sexual Orientation: Assimilation or Liberation? State Responses to the LGBT Movement Conclusion Key Concepts Works Cited Resources for Further Study Web ResourcesGlossaryIndexPhoto Credits
