Introduction to Politics

Combining theory, comparative politics, and international relations Introduction to Politics, Fifth Edition, provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject for first year undergraduate students. As the only introductory text to cover both comparative politics and international relations, it is the most authoritative and global introductory politics textbook on the market.

Written by three experts in the field, this book takes a balanced approach to the subject, serving as a strong foundation for further study. Assuming no prior knowledge, the authors use an accessible yet analytical approach which encourages critical analysis and debate, helping students to develop the skills that will be vital to their future studies and employment.

The new edition has been fully updated with additional up-to-date case studies and examples to help students relate their studies to real-world events. The fifth edition includes coverage of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global politics; provides an overview of Russia's imperial history, and the political economy of sanctions; a new section on decolonising political thinking; and additional examples from Non-Western settings throughout the text. This ensures that Introduction to Politics, Fifth Edition, is the most comprehensive, global, and essential guide for students new to the study of Politics.

The fifth edition includes a wealth of embedded digital resources, which are accessible through the enhanced e-book. These include:

- Multiple-choice questions for every section, designed to reinforce your understanding of key points through frequent and cumulative revision, and to assist with independent self-study

- Political scenarios which encourage you to apply your learning to a practical case to see how the content of the text can be reflected in real life.

- A library of web links to relevant blogs, debates, and videos, to help explore your research interests and take your learning further

- Videos of news reports, speeches, analysis, and key events help bring theories and concepts to life, exploring issues such as 'are Western values still relevant?' and 'Will China Become the Centre of the World Economy?'

- An interactive flashcard glossary to test your knowledge and understanding of each chapter's key terms

Teaching resources for adopting lecturers include:

- Customisable PowerPoint slides that can be adapted for use in lectures

- Discussion questions that lecturers can use to engage their students, based on the content of each chapter

- A bank of questions for lecturers to use to test students' understanding of key concepts covered in the chapters


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

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

Stephanie Lawson is Honorary Professor of Politics and International Studies at Macquarie University, Honorary Professor of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University, and Senior Research Associate, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg.