UNDERSTANDING COMPARATIVE POLITICS: THEN & NOW

Book Details

• Author: Keshab Chandra Ratha

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition

• ISBN: 9788131614228

• Pages: 343 pages

• Cover: Hardback

About the Book

Understanding Comparative Politics: Then & Now is a comprehensive and analytical volume that delves into the evolution and transformation of comparative politics over time. The book traces the discipline’s journey from a traditional, state-centric approach to a modern, globally nuanced and methodologically diverse field. This academic work presents a clear and concise overview of key modern methodologies, the changing nature of the state, theories of democracy and authoritarianism, globalization and its implications on state sovereignty, and in-depth analysis of constitutions, party systems, electoral processes, and the principle of Consociationalism.

Structured across four major parts, it begins with a foundation in comparative politics and its contemporary approaches. It then moves into state theory, democratic and authoritarian regimes, and the effects of globalization. Further sections explore constitutionalism and diverse electoral systems, concluding with comparative discussions on voting methods and power-sharing frameworks.

Designed for students and scholars alike, the book aims to provide clarity on global political systems and their underlying structures. It encourages readers to understand how institutions, ideologies, and identities influence the political landscape within varied cultural and social contexts. Rather than proposing a new paradigm, it offers direction for analytical frameworks that investigate comparative politics across nations.

About the Author

Keshab Chandra Ratha is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at G.M. University, Sambalpur, Odisha. His research interests span Contemporary Political Theory, Gender Studies, Climate Politics, Water Governance, Ethnic Conflicts, and International Relations. Ratha has contributed extensively to reputed national and international journals such as Economic and Political Weekly, Journal of International Development, Strategic Analysis, and many others. His scholarly articles have appeared in publications from institutions across India and Europe, including the University of Bologna, Italy. He is also the author of Political Theory: Concepts & Debates.