Comparative Politics of the Third World offers just the right blend of theory and substance to introduce students in a meaningful way to the developing— or not developing—world. Avoiding both overgeneralization and the problems of a strictly country-by-country approach, authors Green and Luehrmann consistently link concepts pertaining to history, politics, economics, and international relations to a set of eight case studies: the "classic" cases of Mexico, Nigeria, Iran, and China and the alternative" cases of Peru, Zimbabwe, Turkey, and Indonesia. Their approach, an accessible and even compelling narrative, is directed specifically at today's undergraduate students.
Among the many outstanding features of this new edition:
- Uses the familiar concreteness of case studies—fully updated—to make sense of both classic and cutting-edge theory.
- Provides the analytical tools needed to appreciate the enormous diversity of experience within and across regions.
- Makes economic indicators and trends understandable, incorporating the most current data.
- Discusses new "hot topics"—human trafficking, the spread of avian flu, oil wars in Nigeria, US antiterrorist activities, weapons proliferation, the impact of Islamism—that highlight interdependence.
- Addresses the sticky issue of terminology, confronting the implications of the use of "third world," "global south," "developing world," etc.
- Raises controversies: offers a stimulating account that will challenge students' preconceptions, arouse their curiosity, and foster critical thinking.
This is a text that shows students why they should care about what happens in the third world—and how they are affected by it.
Praise for the 1st edition:
"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
"The writing style is lively and the detail is impressive.... another welcome innovation is the welding together of the discussion of key issues with the eight country cases."—Ross Burkhart, Boise State University