This book focuses on the European Union as an important actor in international relations and international political economy. The EU negotiates international economic agreements, represents Europe in international organizations, and is a major trading bloc and currency area. To what extent and under what conditions the EU can use its considerable economic power to assert its interests in the international arena is a relevant question for students, researchers and practitioners alike. To explore this question, the textbook introduces the concept of “actorness” and presents an overview of the actorness debate and theories used to explain actorness. In addition, it includes three empirical chapters on trade, finance and climate policy that apply various concepts and theories to study European actorness in the respective policy areas.

This book focuses on the European Union as an important actor in international relations and international political economy. The EU negotiates international economic agreements, represents Europe in international organizations, and is a major trading bloc and currency area. To what extent and under what conditions the EU can use its considerable economic power to assert its interests in the international arena is a relevant question for students, researchers and practitioners alike. To explore this question, the textbook introduces the concept of “actorness” and presents an overview of the actorness debate and theories used to explain actorness. In addition, it includes three empirical chapters on trade, finance and climate policy that apply various concepts and theories to study European actorness in the respective policy areas.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the political systems of all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste from a comparative perspective. It investigates the political institutions, actors, and processes in eleven states, covering democracies as well as autocratic regimes. Each country study includes an analysis of the current system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state, its legal system, and administrative bodies. Students of political science and area studies also learn about processes of democratic transition and autocratic resilience, as well as how civil society and the media influence the political culture in each country.This second edition features revised and updated versions of all country studies and a new chapter that discusses the trends of democratization and autocratization in Southeast Asia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the political systems of all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste from a comparative perspective. It investigates the political institutions, actors, and processes in eleven states, covering democracies as well as autocratic regimes. Each country study includes an analysis of the current system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state, its legal system, and administrative bodies. Students of political science and area studies also learn about processes of democratic transition and autocratic resilience, as well as how civil society and the media influence the political culture in each country.This second edition features revised and updated versions of all country studies and a new chapter that discusses the trends of democratization and autocratization in Southeast Asia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

This textbook presents a detailed insight into the structures and processes of preparing students for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and for attending Model United Nations conferences, subsequently. It serves as a handbook and practical guide for the implementation of MUN into courses and classes in educational institutions.Written by a Faculty Advisor, and offering additional insights from an experienced award-winning MUN delegate, the book provides a particularly exceptional insightful, and well-rounded approach. The author explains how a MUN course can be taught, presents exercises to prepare students for the conference, and discusses how the MUN delegation and trip to the conference can be organized. This comprehensive guide offers insights into a broad range of topics, including debates with peers, diplomacy to solve international crises, and learning about the system of the United Nations (UN) organization through simulation. Further, it covers the development of soft skills and communication at the conferences and building international friendships, while it additionally allows learning more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the process.With tips, tricks, and bonus material this book will serve as an anchor throughout the students' first MUN experience, as well as provide valuable help for more advanced participants. The book, therefore, is a must-read for both academic staff teaching MUN, as well as students attending MUN courses and planning to attend MUN conferences.

This textbook presents a detailed insight into the structures and processes of preparing students for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and for attending Model United Nations conferences, subsequently. It serves as a handbook and practical guide for the implementation of MUN into courses and classes in educational institutions.Written by a Faculty Advisor, and offering additional insights from an experienced award-winning MUN delegate, the book provides a particularly exceptional insightful, and well-rounded approach. The author explains how a MUN course can be taught, presents exercises to prepare students for the conference, and discusses how the MUN delegation and trip to the conference can be organized. This comprehensive guide offers insights into a broad range of topics, including debates with peers, diplomacy to solve international crises, and learning about the system of the United Nations (UN) organization through simulation. Further, it covers the development of soft skills and communication at the conferences and building international friendships, while it additionally allows learning more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the process.With tips, tricks, and bonus material this book will serve as an anchor throughout the students' first MUN experience, as well as provide valuable help for more advanced participants. The book, therefore, is a must-read for both academic staff teaching MUN, as well as students attending MUN courses and planning to attend MUN conferences.

This textbook offers an essential introduction to survey research and quantitative methods with clear instructions on how to conduct statistical tests with R. Building on the premise that we need to teach statistical methods in a holistic and practical format, the book guides students through the four main elements of survey research and quantitative analysis: (1) the importance of survey research, (2) preparing a survey, (3) conducting a survey and (4) analyzing a survey. In detail, students will learn how to create their own questionnaire on the basis of formulating hypotheses; sampling participants; disseminating their questionnaire; creating datasets; and analyzing their data. The data analytical sections of this revised and extended edition explain the theory, rationale and mathematical foundations of relevant bivariate and multi-variate statistical tests. These include the T-test, F-test, Chi-square test and correlation analyses, as well as bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. In addition, the book offers a brief introduction to statistical computing with R, which includes clear instructions on how to conduct these statistical tests in R. Given the breadth of its coverage, the textbook is suitable for introductory statistics, survey research and quantitative methods classes in the social sciences.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Volume 2 provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's institutions and policies, such as agricultural and fisheries policies, economic and monetary policy, environmental policy, foreign affairs and defence policy, social policy, competition policy, regional policy, as well as immigration and asylum policy. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Volume 2 provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's institutions and policies, such as agricultural and fisheries policies, economic and monetary policy, environmental policy, foreign affairs and defence policy, social policy, competition policy, regional policy, as well as immigration and asylum policy. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, volume 1 sets out in a concise and readable way the European historical origins, the important steps in the creation of the European Union, and the treaties and historical events that have marked its course so far. Providing a comprehensive picture of the unification process and the functioning of this sui generis edifice of a united Europe, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, volume 1 sets out in a concise and readable way the European historical origins, the important steps in the creation of the European Union, and the treaties and historical events that have marked its course so far. Providing a comprehensive picture of the unification process and the functioning of this sui generis edifice of a united Europe, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Political Economy. It combines comparative, international and historical perspectives into a holistic framework of analysis. Drawing on the work of Karl Polanyi, the book shows how capitalist economies differ around the globe and how they are embedded in the international economic order. Through a critical-institutionalist lens, it helps to account for the evolution of contemporary capitalism and addresses current topics at the intersection of political science and economics. Students and instructors can draw on supplementary material, such as Power Point slides with all figures and tables as well as the Springer Nature Flashcards app with exercises.

This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Political Economy. It combines comparative, international and historical perspectives into a holistic framework of analysis. Drawing on the work of Karl Polanyi, the book shows how capitalist economies differ around the globe and how they are embedded in the international economic order. Through a critical-institutionalist lens, it helps to account for the evolution of contemporary capitalism and addresses current topics at the intersection of political science and economics. Students and instructors can draw on supplementary material, such as Power Point slides with all figures and tables as well as the Springer Nature Flashcards app with exercises.

This text for students of politics and public policy, and for learning on the job by new policy analysts, provides a practical introduction grounded in the author’s experience of working in public policy.In four concise chapters, Part I steps through doing policy analysis in practice: from clear commissioning and project planning, to doing analysis through collective thinking, to telling a compelling policy story, to peer review and quality assurance.The six chapters in Part II are a resource for reflective practice, introducing theory to address questions policy analysts confront in the course of their work. What is the purpose of politics and public policy? How do I know I am making a difference? How do I tackle working with stakeholders with different, competing, or conflicting interests? How might I navigate conflicting claims relating to identity and culture? And how can I balance responsiveness to current demands with responsibility to future generations? Every chapter closes with suggestions for group exercises and questions for individual reflection.

This text for students of politics and public policy, and for learning on the job by new policy analysts, provides a practical introduction grounded in the author’s experience of working in public policy.In four concise chapters, Part I steps through doing policy analysis in practice: from clear commissioning and project planning, to doing analysis through collective thinking, to telling a compelling policy story, to peer review and quality assurance.The six chapters in Part II are a resource for reflective practice, introducing theory to address questions policy analysts confront in the course of their work. What is the purpose of politics and public policy? How do I know I am making a difference? How do I tackle working with stakeholders with different, competing, or conflicting interests? How might I navigate conflicting claims relating to identity and culture? And how can I balance responsiveness to current demands with responsibility to future generations? Every chapter closes with suggestions for group exercises and questions for individual reflection.

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the Costa Rican political system. It covers political history, the government system and its elements (political regime, electoral system, party system), political institutions (four branches: executive, legislative, judiciary and electoral) and includes an in-depth analyses of a selection of policy fields: economic development policy, health policy, education policy, security policy, environmental policy, and religious policy.This textbook is intended for upper undergraduate and graduate courses in the Costa Rican political system and includes lecture slides and discussion questions for instructors.

This textbook, written by respected experts on social science and political science research concerning Eastern Europe, offers a comprehensive overview of the political history of and contemporary domestic politics in Ukraine. The authors analyze the tense relationship between (re)democratization and (re)authoritarization, as well as the driving forces behind the remarkable political and economic advances made since the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. The book offers essential insights into the interplay between political institutions and parties, civil society and political elites, and various territorial and economic interest groups in the course of Ukraine’s post-communist transformation and European integration process. The individual chapters address specific research questions and systematically engage with theories, concepts and paradigms from political science and policy analysis.

This textbook introduces readers to the various aspects of the French political system, from institutions to parties, as well as the cultural aspects needed to understand day-to-day French politics and recent developments. How powerful is the French president? What do French elites and citizens think about the EU? Is the far right now a key player in the party system? These are some of the questions that this book answers. Designed to meet the needs of students of political science and law, as well as interested professionals, the book aims to make the latest research on French politics accessible and understandable to a wide audience, and to improve the public’s understanding of current events.

This textbook deals with the Middle East conflict as a key element of international relations. The origins of the conflict and its international dimensions, the major Israeli-Arab wars, attempts at a solution, peace plans and visions for the future are presented in a concise manner. Extensive map material illustrates the findings.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.

This textbook deals with the Middle East conflict as a key element of international relations. The origins of the conflict and its international dimensions, the major Israeli-Arab wars, attempts at a solution, peace plans and visions for the future are presented in a concise manner. Extensive map material illustrates the findings.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.

The textbook is primarily aimed at students and younger researchers and offers a concise but systematic practical guide to planning and conducting qualitative expert interviews in political science. It provides a methodologically sound and application- or problem-oriented approach to this form of independent qualitative data collection.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy and adapted to an international readership.

The textbook is primarily aimed at students and younger researchers and offers a concise but systematic practical guide to planning and conducting qualitative expert interviews in political science. It provides a methodologically sound and application- or problem-oriented approach to this form of independent qualitative data collection.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy and adapted to an international readership.

This textbook offers a step-by-step introduction to the fundamentals of data analysis. It begins with descriptive analyses, moves on to linear regression, and then covers more advanced and sophisticated statistical models. Using the freely available statistical software R, the analyses are implemented in a clear and practical manner to make the theoretical concepts more tangible. In addition, the author introduces Quarto Markdown – a tool that significantly simplifies the technical aspects of writing seminar papers, bachelor’s and master’s theses. Exercises at the end of each chapter encourage readers to apply the material covered and dig deeper on their own. The book is primarily intended for students in the social sciences.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.

This book focuses on the European Union as an important actor in international relations and international political economy. The EU negotiates international economic agreements, represents Europe in international organizations, and is a major trading bloc and currency area. To what extent and under what conditions the EU can use its considerable economic power to assert its interests in the international arena is a relevant question for students, researchers and practitioners alike. To explore this question, the textbook introduces the concept of “actorness” and presents an overview of the actorness debate and theories used to explain actorness. In addition, it includes three empirical chapters on trade, finance and climate policy that apply various concepts and theories to study European actorness in the respective policy areas.

This book focuses on the European Union as an important actor in international relations and international political economy. The EU negotiates international economic agreements, represents Europe in international organizations, and is a major trading bloc and currency area. To what extent and under what conditions the EU can use its considerable economic power to assert its interests in the international arena is a relevant question for students, researchers and practitioners alike. To explore this question, the textbook introduces the concept of “actorness” and presents an overview of the actorness debate and theories used to explain actorness. In addition, it includes three empirical chapters on trade, finance and climate policy that apply various concepts and theories to study European actorness in the respective policy areas.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the political systems of all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste from a comparative perspective. It investigates the political institutions, actors, and processes in eleven states, covering democracies as well as autocratic regimes. Each country study includes an analysis of the current system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state, its legal system, and administrative bodies. Students of political science and area studies also learn about processes of democratic transition and autocratic resilience, as well as how civil society and the media influence the political culture in each country.This second edition features revised and updated versions of all country studies and a new chapter that discusses the trends of democratization and autocratization in Southeast Asia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the political systems of all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste from a comparative perspective. It investigates the political institutions, actors, and processes in eleven states, covering democracies as well as autocratic regimes. Each country study includes an analysis of the current system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state, its legal system, and administrative bodies. Students of political science and area studies also learn about processes of democratic transition and autocratic resilience, as well as how civil society and the media influence the political culture in each country.This second edition features revised and updated versions of all country studies and a new chapter that discusses the trends of democratization and autocratization in Southeast Asia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

This textbook presents a detailed insight into the structures and processes of preparing students for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and for attending Model United Nations conferences, subsequently. It serves as a handbook and practical guide for the implementation of MUN into courses and classes in educational institutions.Written by a Faculty Advisor, and offering additional insights from an experienced award-winning MUN delegate, the book provides a particularly exceptional insightful, and well-rounded approach. The author explains how a MUN course can be taught, presents exercises to prepare students for the conference, and discusses how the MUN delegation and trip to the conference can be organized. This comprehensive guide offers insights into a broad range of topics, including debates with peers, diplomacy to solve international crises, and learning about the system of the United Nations (UN) organization through simulation. Further, it covers the development of soft skills and communication at the conferences and building international friendships, while it additionally allows learning more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the process.With tips, tricks, and bonus material this book will serve as an anchor throughout the students' first MUN experience, as well as provide valuable help for more advanced participants. The book, therefore, is a must-read for both academic staff teaching MUN, as well as students attending MUN courses and planning to attend MUN conferences.

This textbook presents a detailed insight into the structures and processes of preparing students for Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and for attending Model United Nations conferences, subsequently. It serves as a handbook and practical guide for the implementation of MUN into courses and classes in educational institutions.Written by a Faculty Advisor, and offering additional insights from an experienced award-winning MUN delegate, the book provides a particularly exceptional insightful, and well-rounded approach. The author explains how a MUN course can be taught, presents exercises to prepare students for the conference, and discusses how the MUN delegation and trip to the conference can be organized. This comprehensive guide offers insights into a broad range of topics, including debates with peers, diplomacy to solve international crises, and learning about the system of the United Nations (UN) organization through simulation. Further, it covers the development of soft skills and communication at the conferences and building international friendships, while it additionally allows learning more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the process.With tips, tricks, and bonus material this book will serve as an anchor throughout the students' first MUN experience, as well as provide valuable help for more advanced participants. The book, therefore, is a must-read for both academic staff teaching MUN, as well as students attending MUN courses and planning to attend MUN conferences.

This textbook offers an essential introduction to survey research and quantitative methods with clear instructions on how to conduct statistical tests with R. Building on the premise that we need to teach statistical methods in a holistic and practical format, the book guides students through the four main elements of survey research and quantitative analysis: (1) the importance of survey research, (2) preparing a survey, (3) conducting a survey and (4) analyzing a survey. In detail, students will learn how to create their own questionnaire on the basis of formulating hypotheses; sampling participants; disseminating their questionnaire; creating datasets; and analyzing their data. The data analytical sections of this revised and extended edition explain the theory, rationale and mathematical foundations of relevant bivariate and multi-variate statistical tests. These include the T-test, F-test, Chi-square test and correlation analyses, as well as bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. In addition, the book offers a brief introduction to statistical computing with R, which includes clear instructions on how to conduct these statistical tests in R. Given the breadth of its coverage, the textbook is suitable for introductory statistics, survey research and quantitative methods classes in the social sciences.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Volume 2 provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's institutions and policies, such as agricultural and fisheries policies, economic and monetary policy, environmental policy, foreign affairs and defence policy, social policy, competition policy, regional policy, as well as immigration and asylum policy. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Volume 2 provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union's institutions and policies, such as agricultural and fisheries policies, economic and monetary policy, environmental policy, foreign affairs and defence policy, social policy, competition policy, regional policy, as well as immigration and asylum policy. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, volume 1 sets out in a concise and readable way the European historical origins, the important steps in the creation of the European Union, and the treaties and historical events that have marked its course so far. Providing a comprehensive picture of the unification process and the functioning of this sui generis edifice of a united Europe, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This two-volume textbook teaches about the uniqueness and the difficulty of the European unification project. It describes, as clearly as possible, what Robert Schuman declared in 1950, that "... Europe will not be made all at once…". Navigating the nexus of four academic fields - political science, institutional analysis, economics, and history - the book serves as a reference work for accurate, exhaustive, and well-researched information on the creation and functioning of the European Union. Supported by numerous photographs, diagrams, maps, and sources, volume 1 sets out in a concise and readable way the European historical origins, the important steps in the creation of the European Union, and the treaties and historical events that have marked its course so far. Providing a comprehensive picture of the unification process and the functioning of this sui generis edifice of a united Europe, the book will serve as an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students studying the subject of European integration, as well as a useful resource for a broader audience interested in the European integration process.

This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Political Economy. It combines comparative, international and historical perspectives into a holistic framework of analysis. Drawing on the work of Karl Polanyi, the book shows how capitalist economies differ around the globe and how they are embedded in the international economic order. Through a critical-institutionalist lens, it helps to account for the evolution of contemporary capitalism and addresses current topics at the intersection of political science and economics. Students and instructors can draw on supplementary material, such as Power Point slides with all figures and tables as well as the Springer Nature Flashcards app with exercises.

This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to Political Economy. It combines comparative, international and historical perspectives into a holistic framework of analysis. Drawing on the work of Karl Polanyi, the book shows how capitalist economies differ around the globe and how they are embedded in the international economic order. Through a critical-institutionalist lens, it helps to account for the evolution of contemporary capitalism and addresses current topics at the intersection of political science and economics. Students and instructors can draw on supplementary material, such as Power Point slides with all figures and tables as well as the Springer Nature Flashcards app with exercises.

This text for students of politics and public policy, and for learning on the job by new policy analysts, provides a practical introduction grounded in the author’s experience of working in public policy.In four concise chapters, Part I steps through doing policy analysis in practice: from clear commissioning and project planning, to doing analysis through collective thinking, to telling a compelling policy story, to peer review and quality assurance.The six chapters in Part II are a resource for reflective practice, introducing theory to address questions policy analysts confront in the course of their work. What is the purpose of politics and public policy? How do I know I am making a difference? How do I tackle working with stakeholders with different, competing, or conflicting interests? How might I navigate conflicting claims relating to identity and culture? And how can I balance responsiveness to current demands with responsibility to future generations? Every chapter closes with suggestions for group exercises and questions for individual reflection.

This text for students of politics and public policy, and for learning on the job by new policy analysts, provides a practical introduction grounded in the author’s experience of working in public policy.In four concise chapters, Part I steps through doing policy analysis in practice: from clear commissioning and project planning, to doing analysis through collective thinking, to telling a compelling policy story, to peer review and quality assurance.The six chapters in Part II are a resource for reflective practice, introducing theory to address questions policy analysts confront in the course of their work. What is the purpose of politics and public policy? How do I know I am making a difference? How do I tackle working with stakeholders with different, competing, or conflicting interests? How might I navigate conflicting claims relating to identity and culture? And how can I balance responsiveness to current demands with responsibility to future generations? Every chapter closes with suggestions for group exercises and questions for individual reflection.

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the Costa Rican political system. It covers political history, the government system and its elements (political regime, electoral system, party system), political institutions (four branches: executive, legislative, judiciary and electoral) and includes an in-depth analyses of a selection of policy fields: economic development policy, health policy, education policy, security policy, environmental policy, and religious policy.This textbook is intended for upper undergraduate and graduate courses in the Costa Rican political system and includes lecture slides and discussion questions for instructors.

This textbook, written by respected experts on social science and political science research concerning Eastern Europe, offers a comprehensive overview of the political history of and contemporary domestic politics in Ukraine. The authors analyze the tense relationship between (re)democratization and (re)authoritarization, as well as the driving forces behind the remarkable political and economic advances made since the 2014 Euromaidan revolution. The book offers essential insights into the interplay between political institutions and parties, civil society and political elites, and various territorial and economic interest groups in the course of Ukraine’s post-communist transformation and European integration process. The individual chapters address specific research questions and systematically engage with theories, concepts and paradigms from political science and policy analysis.

This textbook introduces readers to the various aspects of the French political system, from institutions to parties, as well as the cultural aspects needed to understand day-to-day French politics and recent developments. How powerful is the French president? What do French elites and citizens think about the EU? Is the far right now a key player in the party system? These are some of the questions that this book answers. Designed to meet the needs of students of political science and law, as well as interested professionals, the book aims to make the latest research on French politics accessible and understandable to a wide audience, and to improve the public’s understanding of current events.

This textbook deals with the Middle East conflict as a key element of international relations. The origins of the conflict and its international dimensions, the major Israeli-Arab wars, attempts at a solution, peace plans and visions for the future are presented in a concise manner. Extensive map material illustrates the findings.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.

This textbook deals with the Middle East conflict as a key element of international relations. The origins of the conflict and its international dimensions, the major Israeli-Arab wars, attempts at a solution, peace plans and visions for the future are presented in a concise manner. Extensive map material illustrates the findings.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.

The textbook is primarily aimed at students and younger researchers and offers a concise but systematic practical guide to planning and conducting qualitative expert interviews in political science. It provides a methodologically sound and application- or problem-oriented approach to this form of independent qualitative data collection.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy and adapted to an international readership.

The textbook is primarily aimed at students and younger researchers and offers a concise but systematic practical guide to planning and conducting qualitative expert interviews in political science. It provides a methodologically sound and application- or problem-oriented approach to this form of independent qualitative data collection.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy and adapted to an international readership.

This textbook offers a step-by-step introduction to the fundamentals of data analysis. It begins with descriptive analyses, moves on to linear regression, and then covers more advanced and sophisticated statistical models. Using the freely available statistical software R, the analyses are implemented in a clear and practical manner to make the theoretical concepts more tangible. In addition, the author introduces Quarto Markdown – a tool that significantly simplifies the technical aspects of writing seminar papers, bachelor’s and master’s theses. Exercises at the end of each chapter encourage readers to apply the material covered and dig deeper on their own. The book is primarily intended for students in the social sciences.The English translation of this book, originally in German, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.