School of Public and International Affairs

Avoiding the problems of both overgeneralization and a strictly country-by-country approach, Comparative Politics of the "Third World" offers an innovative blend of theory and empirical material that introduces students in a meaningful way to the developing (or not developing) world. December Green and Laura Luehrmann consistently link concepts pertaining to history, politics, economics, and international relations to a set of eight timely case studies: China, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Turkey, and Zimbabwe. Their approach, an accessible and even compelling narrative, is directed specifically at today's undergraduates.

Among the many outstanding features of this edition:

•Addresses the sticky issue of terminology, confronting head on the implications of such phrases as "third world," "global south," and "developing world."
•Effectively uses case studies to make sense of theory.
•Incorporates the most recent political and economic data available.
•Highlights the effects of the global economic recession.
•Discusses a range of "hot topics," such as the role of information technologies, that highlight interdependence.
•Includes a detailed discussion of US policy in Iraq and Afghanistan and of the perceived "Obama Effect."

The result is a text that has been successfully designed to challenge students' preconceptions, arouse their curiosity, and foster critical thinking.