4th Edition

Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics An Introduction

By Todd Landman, Edzia Carvalho Copyright 2017
    372 Pages
    by Routledge

    372 Pages
    by Routledge

    Building on the strengths of the third edition, this highly regarded textbook continues to provide the best introduction to the strategies of comparative research in political science. Divided into three parts, the book begins by examining different methods, applying these methods to dominant issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples from around the world, and then discusses the new challenges in the area. This thoroughly revised and updated edition features:

    • Additional contemporary case studies including the democratisation of technology and the Arab Spring;
    • Detailed discussion of regression analysis and diffusion;
    • More analysis of justice, inequality, and compliance;
    • Reflection on new methods and treatments of contemporary comparative politics.

    Balancing reader friendly features with high quality analysis makes this popular academic text is essential reading for everyone interested in comparative politics and research methods.

    Introduction

    PART I: WHY, HOW, AND PROBLEMS OF COMPARISON

    1. Why Compare Countries?

      Reasons for comparison

      The science in political science

      Scientific terms and concepts

      Summary

      Further reading

    2. How to Compare Countries

      Methods of comparison

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single country studies as comparison

      Choosing countries and problems of comparison

      Summary

      Further reading

    3. Comparing Many Countries

      Starting assumptions

      Measuring concepts

      Basic regression analysis

      Extending the basic regression model

      Limitations to global comparative analysis

      Summary

      Further reading

    4. Comparing Few Countries

      Assumptions

      Case selection and research design

      Combining quantitative and qualitative comparison

      Limitations of few-country comparisons

      Summary

      Further reading

    5. Single-Country Studies as Comparison

      Functions of single-country studies

      Raising observations in single-country studies

      Limitations of single-study studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    PART II: COMPARING COMPARISONS

    6. Economic Development and Democracy

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    7. Violent Political Dissent and Social Revolution

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    8. Non-Violent Political Dissent and Social Movements

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    9. Transitions to Democracy

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    10. Institutional Design and Democratic Performance

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    11. Human Rights

      The research problem

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    12. International Relations and Comparative Politics

      Research problems

      Comparing many countries

      Comparing few countries

      Single-country studies

      Summary

      Further reading

    PART III: COMPARATIVE METHODS AND NEW ISSUES

    13. Common Themes and Different Comparisons

      Methodological trade-offs

      Building theory

      Conclusion: drawing the lessons

      Further reading

    14. New Challenges For Comparative Politics

    Full circle

    New methods

    Maintaining relevance

    Summary

    Further reading

    Biography

    Todd Landman is Professor of Political Science and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham, UK. He has published Democracy and Human Rights (2013), Studying Human Rights (Routledge 2006), Protecting Human Rights (2005), co-authored Measuring Human Rights (Routledge 2009), and edited Human Rights (Volumes I-IV) (2009) and Sage Handbook of Comparative Politics (2009).

    Edzia Carvalho is Lecturer in Politics in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Dundee, UK. She is co-author of Measuring Human Rights (Routledge 2009).

    'This book fills a longstanding gap in the literature for a clear and concise primer on the purpose and methods of comparative politics. It is also an excellent starting point for scholars and students alike who wish to come to grips with the most important arguments, findings and methodological challenges in the study of democracy and human rights. Required reading for budding comparativists, it should also serve as a benchmark which seasoned scholars should regularly revisit.' - Robert Mattes, University of Strathclyde, UK.

    'I have relied on this book for years to teach my masters students how to think through their methods choices. It provides a much-needed neutral overview of the trade-offs between Large-N and Small-N methods, presenting these options as the "methodological universe of the field" of comparative politics. The book presents complex material in a clear way – and is useful both in teaching and in my own research.' - Sherrill Stroschein, University College London, UK

    'Todd Landman and Edzia Carvalho have written a genuine multi-method textbook. They introduce students into substantive issues through the lenses of contrasting methods. Pluralistic and reflexive, well-structured, thoughtful, and up-to-date, Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics nicely fulfils its didactic promise. Students will encounter a most stimulating guide to the contemporary study of politics.' - Andreas Schedler, CIDE, Mexico City