Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics

Todd Landman is Professor of Political Science and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham, UK. He has published Democracy and Human Rights (2013), Studying Human Rights (Routledge 2006), Protecting Human Rights (2005), co-authored Measuring Human Rights (Routledge 2009), and edited Human Rights (Volumes I-IV) (2009) and Sage Handbook of Comparative Politics (2009).Edzia Carvalho is Lecturer in Politics in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Dundee, UK. She is co-author of Measuring Human Rights (Routledge 2009).

'This book fills a longstanding gap in the literature for a clear and concise primer on the purpose and methods of comparative politics. It is also an excellent starting point for scholars and students alike who wish to come to grips with the most important arguments, findings and methodological challenges in the study of democracy and human rights. Required reading for budding comparativists, it should also serve as a benchmark which seasoned scholars should regularly revisit.' - Robert Mattes, University of Strathclyde, UK.'I have relied on this book for years to teach my masters students how to think through their methods choices. It provides a much-needed neutral overview of the trade-offs between Large-N and Small-N methods, presenting these options as the "methodological universe of the field" of comparative politics. The book presents complex material in a clear way – and is useful both in teaching and in my own research.' - Sherrill Stroschein, University College London, UK'Todd Landman and Edzia Carvalho have written a genuine multi-method textbook. They introduce students into substantive issues through the lenses of contrasting methods. Pluralistic and reflexive, well-structured, thoughtful, and up-to-date, Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics nicely fulfils its didactic promise. Students will encounter a most stimulating guide to the contemporary study of politics.' - Andreas Schedler, CIDE, Mexico City

• IntroductionPART I: WHY, HOW, AND PROBLEMS OF COMPARISON1. Why Compare Countries?Reasons for comparison The science in political science Scientific terms and concepts Summary Further reading 2. How to Compare CountriesMethods of comparison Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single country studies as comparison Choosing countries and problems of comparison Summary Further reading 3. Comparing Many CountriesStarting assumptions Measuring concepts Basic regression analysis Extending the basic regression model Limitations to global comparative analysis Summary Further reading 4. Comparing Few CountriesAssumptions Case selection and research design Combining quantitative and qualitative comparison Limitations of few-country comparisons Summary Further reading 5. Single-Country Studies as ComparisonFunctions of single-country studies Raising observations in single-country studies Limitations of single-study studies Summary Further reading PART II: COMPARING COMPARISONS6. Economic Development and DemocracyThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 7. Violent Political Dissent and Social RevolutionThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 8. Non-Violent Political Dissent and Social MovementsThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 9. Transitions to DemocracyThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 10. Institutional Design and Democratic PerformanceThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 11. Human RightsThe research problem Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading 12. International Relations and Comparative PoliticsResearch problems Comparing many countries Comparing few countries Single-country studies Summary Further reading PART III: COMPARATIVE METHODS AND NEW ISSUES13. Common Themes and Different ComparisonsMethodological trade-offs Building theory Conclusion: drawing the lessons Further reading 14. New Challenges For Comparative PoliticsFull circle New methods Maintaining relevance Summary Further reading