Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics: An Introduction

by Todd Landman

Overview

Building on the strengths of the first edition, this accessible and user-friendly textbook explores the strategies of comparative research in political science. It begins by examining different methods, then highlights some of the big issues in comparative politics using a wealth of topical examples before discussing the new challenges in the area. As well as updating throughout and the addition of new material, this edition is also supplemented by the availability online of the author's datasets.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134483662
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/16/2003
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	316
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

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).

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

'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

From the Publisher