Comparative Politics in Transition

Comparative Politics in Transition by John McCormick, published by Cengage Learning in January 2012, is a comprehensive resource that spans 592 pages. This seventh edition presents a thematic framework combined with a country-by-country approach, making it suitable for students who are new to the study of political science. The author employs an arenas classification to facilitate a systematic comparative analysis, moving beyond the traditional three worlds framework to better reflect contemporary political, economic, and social realities.

Readers will find that this edition includes ten in-text country case studies, providing historical, theoretical, and conceptual background essential for understanding various political systems. The text offers a balanced examination of both the Western and non-Western worlds, delving into the politics and government of Islam as well as the dynamics of failed states. This thoughtful approach aims to enrich the reader’s understanding of comparative politics in a global context.