* Provides a balanced, comprehensive account of contemporary trends in world, regional and nation-state government and politics * Captures the global changes, both theoretical and factual, of the past three decades - to give an unprecedented overview of political science and political affairs * Clearly and incisively written to meet the needs of students, lecturers and practitioners at all levels * Helpful bibliographies - of new and classic material and suggestions for further reading * Extensive index of Topics and People `Provides a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical and practical issues of government and politics. It will be an essential purchase for libraries with in-depth collections in these areas.' - Reference Reviews `This up-to-date and well executed work provides a sound introduction to all aspects of political study.' - Choice `This is a work of immense scholarship and usefulness.' - Political Studies `In addition to copious citations to the research literature there are brief bibliographies listing major works "for further reading" at the conclusion of each article. This up-to-date and well-executed work provides a sound introduction to all aspects of political study.' - SUNY College at Purchase