Essentials of Comparative Politics

by Patrick H. O'Neil

Essentials of Comparative Politics introduces students to the concepts that political scientists use to study and compare political systems and the particulars of specific political systems. The text is available with a corresponding casebook of 14 country studies and a reader--the three components can be used individually or in any combination.

The Third Edition has been revised and updated to include the most current and relevant examples; it includes a robust suite of emedia resources for students and instructors. The Comparative Politics package provides maximum value to students--the textbook/casebook/reader package is priced comparably to most standalone country studies textbooks.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Political Science, Academic, College

384 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2006

Reviews

[Mayim de Vries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good as an auxiliary textbook for an undergrad class, especially when combined with Cases in Comparative Politics.

[Josiah Hasbrouck · Rating 2 out of 5]

"politics is just about power and freedom and equality" yeah we get it you've never read anything written before 1700 except machiavelli

run-of-the-mill uninteresting modern poli sci textbook

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for anyone interested in comparative politics. O'Neil breaks everything down in a simple and straightforward way; somehow he makes the complex and varying nature of democratic elections sound simple. I thought I'd never understand proportional representation in all its (many, many) forms until I began to read this.

The "readings" book that oftentimes accompanies this one is wonderful too. Duverger's theory regarding SMDs is included as an essay - a "must know" for any poli sci scholar.

This book sparked an interest in comparative politics for me and I've since gone on to study these topics in much greater detail, with a firm grasp on the fundamentals thanks to O'Neil.

[Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

This textbook was required reading for my Comparative Politics class in uni. You can expect the same contents in it as other American/Eurocentric textbooks. I will admit it can be informative for the newbie in political science, but outside of the defining of some socio-economic terms and entities, it fails to promote critical thinking. I would have much preferred to read different texts such as The Wealth of (Some) Nations: Imperialism and the Mechanics of Value Transfer , but this meets the (abysmal) standards for an American 200-level college class on comparative politics.

[adela · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read the 8th edition
ibsn: 978-1-324-04667-7

a great introductory read if you’re interested in comparative politics.

some of the author’s word choices made me second guess concepts i was already familiar with, so i had to double check a few things with google, but overall i learned a lot. concepts were broken down in digestible ways and there were many insightful graphs and visual media to aid in comprehension.

it sparked a real interest in me to keep reading and exploring more in this field.

[Grof J. Kešetović · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well balanced and comprehensive study on how politics, political and governmental systems help keep our society in one place. It is primarily designed for AP HS and College degree students but anyone interested in learning basics of how a let's say - bicameral parliamentary system functions would surely benefit from this book.

[Ahmed Mohsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

جزء من القراءات الأكادديمية التعليمية ...الكتب على طريقة السهل الممتنع، ومكتوبة بمنهجية الكتب الجامعية الأمريكية المكتوبة غالبا لطلبة البكالوريوس أو الدراسات العليا الغير متخصصين في العلوم السياسية . ...جيد جدا

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good textbook, seemed to consider all perspectives without being wordy or long, recently updated version included relevant and recent information.

[Tatum Ebbeskotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

L book L class W teacher part 2

at least its easier than US but this did not line up with ap curriculum so boooooo

[Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is impressively well organized. Unlike most comparative politics introduction books, which enumerate a list of countries as cases for study, this one embraces a complete different idea: It is organized surrounding different facets of foundations of comparative politics. I found this is particularly more useful than the most common organization of comparative politics introduction books. As the author stated, a "casebook" might be desirable alongside this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Among the better introductory texts. Organized more or less thematically, but in a somewhat less abstract way than other thematic intro texts. I found it quite clear, and written at a level appropriate to first-year college students.

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

My rating of this book should not be taken too seriously. I am a junior in high school so this book was pretty hard for me to follow and enjoy. I think it is one that describes politics well but one that will take a lot of concentration to fully understand.

[Nick Primer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the whole thing...

Well organized textbook with great examples of political situations from many different countries. Clearly explained concepts and ideas. Great introductory textbook on the subject.

[Hakija · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books that I have read on international politics. Great book for students (starters) that need some basic understanding of international politics.

[Tam]

Concise, clear, quite objective, fits perfectly what I need. Recommend for complete beginners (like me)

[Chabely Valera suarez]

Great book. I understood fully the difference between ideologies/attitudes and political systems around the world. Thorough yet brief.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very through and detailed

[Kaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political Science is over!