Politics: The Basics, 4th Edition

This highly successful introduction to the world of politics has been fully revised and updated in collaboration with a new co-author, Nigel Jackson of the University of Plymouth. The new edition builds on the reputation for clarity and comprehensive coverage of the previous editions. It explores the varieties of political systems, the main political movements and key issues at the beginning of the twenty-first century. New to the fourth edition: • • • • • •

comparison of quantitative and qualitative methods more international examples greater discussion of non-Western concepts of politics the problem of voter apathy and lack of trust in politicians more discussion of the ‘war on terrorism’ extended analysis of the role of the Internet in politics including blogs, search engine censorship and e-democracy • analysis of further key concepts such as genocide and policy networks • more links to web pages including case studies, further questions to explore and additional learning activities. Accessible in style and topical in content, this book assumes no prior knowledge of politics. These features make it ideal reading for general readers as well as for those who are just beginning to study politics at undergraduate level. Stephen D. Tansey has taught Politics at the universities of Ife (Nigeria), Exeter and Bournemouth, for the Open University and the WEA. He is the author of Business, Information Technology and Society (also published by Routledge). Nigel Jackson has worked as a parliamentary agent for a UK political party, for an MP and as a parliamentary lobbyist. Teaching at the University of Plymouth, his research interests are in political communication and political marketing, especially online.