Comparative Politics of the Third World, 3rd edn

Reviews:

“Theoretically rich, empirically diverse, and refreshingly representative of all four developing world regions.... Perhaps foremost, this unique text compels the reader to consider important theoretical issues in relation to a wealth of practical cases.”
—Rita Kiki Edozie, Michigan State University

“Definitely fills a niche....Frankly, this is the best textbook there is on the subject.”
—Linda Adams, Baylor University

“This book outshines any other text I have seen.... The authors do a wonderful job of synthesizing a great deal of information and presenting it in terms that should engage an audience of undergraduates.”
—Dwight Hahn, John Carroll University

Description:

Avoiding the problems of both overgeneralization and a strictly country-by-country approach, Comparative Politics of the “Third World” offers an innovative blend of theory and empirical material that introduces students in a meaningful way to the developing (or not developing) world. December Green and Laura Luehrmann consistently link concepts pertaining to history, politics, economics, and international relations to a set of eight timely case studies: China, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Turkey, and Zimbabwe. Their approach, an accessible and even compelling narrative, is directed specifically at today's undergraduates.

Among the many outstanding features of this new edition:

• Addresses the sticky issue of terminology, confronting head on the implications of such phrases as “third world,” “global south,” and “developing world.”
• Effectively uses case studies—each one updated from beginning to end—to make sense of theory.
• Incorporates the most recent political and economic data available.
• Highlights the effects of the global economic recession and progress toward the Millennium Development Goals.
• Discusses a range of new “hot topics,” such as the role of information technologies, that highlight interdependence.
• Includes a detailed discussion of current US policy in Iraq and Afghanistan and of the perceived “Obama Effect.”