Comparative Politics of the "Third World": Linking Concepts & Cases;

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 new 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--each one updated from beginning to end--to make sense of theory. *Incorporates the most recent political and economic data available. *Highlights the effects of the global economic recession and progress toward the Millennium Development Goals. *Discusses a range of new ""hot topics,"" such as the role of information technologies, that highlight interdependence. *Includes a detailed discussion of current 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.