Students value the book's relevance to their experience of today's world, its engaging, personal writing style, and the many intriguing examples (including more than 60 found in boxed discussions) from every part of the world, making concepts more vivid and memorable. The numerous political cartoons, compelling photographs, maps, and analytic diagrams effectively sustain students' interest and elaborate on key concepts. Instructors appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of key theories and concepts and the logical manner in which it explores many of the interesting questions addressed by political scientists.

Preface Part I- On Knowing the Political World Chapter 1- Politics and Knowledge Part II- Political Behavior Chapter 2- Political Theory and Political Beliefs Chapter 3- Political Actions Chapter 4- Influences on Beliefs and Actions Part III- Political Systems Chapter 5- States and Nations Chapter 6- Political Institutions I: Structures Chapter 7- Political Institutions II: Institutional Arrangements Chapter 8- Political Economy Part IV- Political Processes Chapter 9- Public Policy, Power, and Decision Chapter 10- Change and Political Development Chapter 11- Politics Across Borders Chapter 12- Political Violence Part V- Politics Among States Chapter 13- The Developed Countries Chapter 14- The Developing Countries Chapter 15- The Transitional Developed Countries Chapter 16- The Last Chapter: Looking Backward, Looking Forward