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Always student-friendly, The Challenge of Politics uses a unique normative approach, emphasizing politics as a humanizing endeavor that relies on values and judgment. The authors relate insights of classic political thinkers both to their modern counterparts and to the political dynamics of American, comparative, and international affairs. Student and instructor resources are available.

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Introduction to Politics
I needed this book for a introductory level political science college course and it was very helpful.The book is up to date including current events affecting the current state of politics like the War on Terror in Iraq.It is a big book but it is full of good information for learning about the basics of politics. ... Read more

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This comprehensive research methods text introduces students, both concretely and theoretically, to a wide variety of techniques, applications, and concerns that are important to political science research.

Organized around the various stages of the research process, and balancing the competing demands placed on an introductory text, each chapter of the book is planned around a series of substantive questions and enhanced with a series of research exercises that give students practical insights into the important issues raised.

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What does democracy expect of its citizens, and how do the citizenry match these expectations? This Oxford Handbook examines the role of the citizen in contemporary politics, based on essays from the world's leading scholars of political behavior research. The recent expansion of democracy has both given new rights and created new responsibilities for the citizenry. These political changes are paralleled by tremendous advances in our empirical knowledge of citizens and their behaviors through the institutionalization of systematic, comparative study of contemporary publics--ranging from the advanced industrial democracies to the emerging democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, to new survey research on the developing world. These essays describe how citizens think about politics, how their values shape their behavior, the patterns of participation, the sources of vote choice, and how public opinion impacts on governing and public policy.

This is the most comprehensive review of the cross-national literature of citizen behavior and the relationship between citizens and their governments. It will become the first point of reference for scholars and students interested in these key issues. ... Read more

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This Introduction introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy: authority, democracy, freedom and its limits, justice, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationality. Accessibly written and assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, it encourages the reader to think clearly and critically about the leading political questions of our time. THe book first investigates how politcial philosophy tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It furthermore looks at political authority, discusses the reasons society needs politics in the first place, explores the limitations of politics, and asks if there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. Moreover, the book explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. In his travels through this realm, Miller covers why nations are the natural units of government and wonders if the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change all this, and asks in the end if we will ever see the formation of a world government. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

short on contemporary and alternative/critical theorists
I've just been skimming the book I picked up from the library, but I'm quite disappointed not to find in the indexany of the following names who represent thinkers from the critical theory, Continental, communitarian traditions: Adorno, Habermas, MacIntyre, Strauss, etc. True, Miller has very little room to work with, but with an introductory book like this I like to get a lay of the land and a sense of how key (contemporary) thinkers think. I suspect Miller does a good job of laying out the main issues in the main, liberal tradition of Western thought, including what relatively recent thinkers (he seems to cover Isaiah Berlin well) have to say on these topics.

I would recommend saving up for John Christman's _Social and Political Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction_ rather than getting this book.

A good summary of western political philosophy
I have to disagree with the other reviewer. Overall this is a pretty objective overview of mainstream political philosophy covering Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, social contract theory, justice, liberty, freedom, feminism, Marx and so on. Miller's method of asking childish, almost infantile, questions about the possibility of modern democracy, global justice, and freedom opens up some very interesting avenues of inquiry (childish questions are the mark of a true philosopher). Additionally Miller's emphasis on modern-day human rights, multiculturalism and social justice work to give this introduction a needed humanist perspective against the often canonistic regurgitation of detached text-book philosophy which one often finds in broad introductory texts of this kind. I recommend this introduction for those just starting philosophy or politics and want an interesting overview of Western political philosophy. If you truly want to see a politically bias Short Introduction (as a point of comparison) try reading Kenneth Minoque's Politics: A Very Short Introduction. He pretty much adheres to a dogmatically neoliberal position throughout the books 112 pages.


"But do nations really exist? Or are they not just imagined but entirely imaginary? Is there anything that genuinely differentiates the people who live on one side of the national boundary from their counterparts on the other side? Dean Inge once said that 'a nation is a society united by a delusion about its ancestry and by a common hatred of its neighbours'. Like most good quotations, this one contains more than a grain of truth."

- Miller on Nation states p.114

...
My review of this book will be very short: It should be titled "David Miller's Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction". I bought the book expecting to be introduced to political philosophy, but I find that I have learned more about Miller's opinions (however mainstream) than political philosophy itself. It's like trying to learn from a salesman rather than a teacher--you will learn something, but it's still annoying. The caliber of the Very Short Introduction series is generally higher. ... Read more

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Celebrating its fiftieth year in publication, GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS is an indispensable text for all students of political philosophy. This text contains portions of great works in their original form to whet the appetite and to encourage discussion within the classroom. By providing historical context and current scholarship, Alan Ebenstein builds upon the framework of influences that have shaped current political thoughts and theories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great Book
Great collection of essays with very thoughful commentary by authors and editors. Highly recommend, great reference book.

Great Political Thinkers: Plato to Present
William Ebenstien produced an excellent overview of political thought and Alan Ebenstien improved its brilliance. Its organization is sound and the passages chosen are very well thought out.

Ebenstien's introductions are prolific and insightful. He has a masterful knowledge and understanding of true meaning, context, and consequences of the ideas presented. I reccommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a thorough overview of politcal thought and its origins. I found this book to be clear and rich.

I also encourage Professors of Western Politcal Thought to use this book and challenge thier students to have a greater understanding of ideas, their origins and consequences. In the Hegelian way, understanding history and the context of our times is of the utmost importance. This book will serve its readers well.

great book poli sci lovers
I first read this book (not completely) just out of high school, for the purpose of a little education prior to declaration of a Political Science major. It was easy to read and concepts were easily understood. This book gives enough information to answer basic questions of Political Science as well as creating deeper more involved questions to be answered elsewhere. This is a great background book. Personally, I love the ancient philosphers and this book does a good job of using their best works.

Great Analysis as Well as Anthology
I have the 3rd Edition from college and recently returned to it to read some parts that were omitted then.The book is great because it is not only a comprehensive anthology of important political thought but it also has well-written introductions that explain what you are about to read.Since some of the writers are not the easiest to read in the original, the introduction plays an important part in understanding what you are reading.And don't worry about the price -- you are buying a lifetime reference book.

Great Political Thinkers: From Plato to Present
I purchased this book in 1975.It is the remaining text from my undergraduate days that I keep on my book shelf... a tremndous resource.

I actually took the class of the same title at UC Santa Barbara from Dr. Ebenstein himself.Back then, he was a giant in the political science field (still is) and we stood in awe of him.At the same time, he was the only professor I had there who would invite us to a brown-bag lunch each week to discuss course work and his personal experience in Europe before and during WWII.I cherish the text as a reminder of my unbelievable good fortune to have known this great scholar as well as a kind and gentle man.He and this book continue to inspire me. ... Read more

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Political Theory: Methods and Approaches is one of the first books to analyze research methods in political theory and political philosophy. Drawing together essays by a distinguished set of contributors, this rich and varied collection introduces students to many of the often unelaborated methods and approaches that currently inform the work of leading scholars in the field. The selections consider how political theory should be conducted today and also examine the complex and contested connections between political theory and a range of adjacent disciplines--moral philosophy, the empirical social sciences, the history of political thought, the world of "real" politics, critical social theory, and ideology. Both individually and as a collection, these essays will promote understanding and provoke further debate amongst students and established scholars alike. ... Read more

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For better insight into current Chinese politics
I purchased this book to augment my reading list for a Master's in International Relations course on Chinese culture and politics and it proved to be priceless.Although I have a limited academic background in Chinese history and philosophy I found this book to be quite accessible.That does not necessarily mean that it was always an easy read, however with effort a relative newcomer to the topic can gain much from this book.Also, because it aims above the casual reader it will also be ofvalue to the more experienced scholars. ... Read more

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The hallmark of this text, the third volume in the New Directions in Political Behavior series, is its social science perspective. With this in mind, the author models the discussion of each topic on the social scientific process by asking if theories exists to explain personal observations in politics and the media and if there is evidence to support the theories. Students can then put theory into practice with end-of-chapter Active Learning exercises that provide real-world examples of important concepts and ask students to collect and analyze data from various print and electronic media sources.

In response to important research in the field, the text includes an entire chapter on agenda setting—the media's ability to insert issues into public consciousness or increase perceived importance—which illuminates the related concepts of priming and framing.

• Data Sets from the NES and GSS can be downloaded from the Mass Media and Politics web site.
• Current examples throughout the text highlight recent elections and current events.
• An extensive glossary includes media and political terms.

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This book examines almost two decades of research using the structural or network approach to political behavior. Network analysis begins with the assumption that the most important elements of political power are the relationships of influence and domination among social actors. Influence is the exchange of information about preferences and intentions; domination is the exchange of material sanctions to reward or punish compliance with commands. By examining the confluence of these two networks, analysts can develop a structural picture of the political process. David Knoke provides an overview of the work already done in the structural analysis of politics and the directions it will take in the future. Topics covered include voting decisions, social movements, formal organizations, community power systems, national elites and the world system of nation-states. Theoretical conceptualizations, empirical findings and topical research agendas are discussed in each of these areas. ... Read more

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The Craft of Political Research immerses readers not only in how political scientists work but also in how ideas produce research questions and guide the selection of research methods.

Emphasizing the internal logic of research methods and the collaborative nature of the research process, this slender text explores the design behind interesting questions, problems in measurement and analysis, and key statistical methods. Brief and inexpensive to include in any course, The Craft of Political Research’s elegant explanations inspire a big picture understanding of how political scientists explain political reality and encourage students to create their own inventive, original, and bold research work.

Customer Reviews (5)

Useful for qualitative political science
It seems like there are a lot of books discussing the "how-tos" of political science research. This one doesn't stand out according to one criteria. However, I did think it's discussion of measuring variables, particularly its attention to qualitative empirical work, was useful. Much if the discipline today is so quantitative that sometimes texts forget to instruct students on how to think in terms of qualitative variables. This is important for issues such as ranking the prestige of various officials under communist regimes (an example from the book). Best combined with another book with a more quantitative focus.

Excelent for Students
I am writing this from a students perspective. The book is written well and is easy to understand, it gets to the point without losing meaning.

An Excellent Primer for Political Research, but of Limited Use for Those Working at Higher Research Levels
Shively provides and excellent primer for buddinng social scientists beginnig to conduct thier own poltical research.Shively starts at the beginning, explaining the history of political science and the numerous theories and paradigms that charaterize our field. From here he branches off into the more specific techniques of political reserch, i.e formal theory, and normative philosophy, and the particular usefulness of each approach. Building upon this base, Shively emphasizes the importance of correctly operationalizing variables, namely through validity and precision.His useful examples illustrate the differences in the concepts and why such careful consideration is imperative in political research.Additionally, Shively adequately covers the importance of case selection and briefly touches on statistical methods.All though it is impossible to give a thourogh explination of quantitiative methods in a primer, it would have been helpful for Shively to go into greater depth on the subject.As stated above, the work is an excellent primer for those beginning research.However, it is of limited use to those who are undertaking a more extensive researh task.It would serve as an excellent text for upper level undergraduate courses, graduate students may need something with a little more meat.

Impressive for the genre...
This work raises salient issues and poses important questions about the political science investigative process from start to finish. The emphasis here is on squarely on political science. This would not be an appropriate text for related fields (e.g. history or sociology). While accessible to all, it would best be read after one has taken a quantitatively based statistics course, as an introduction into research where control groups are less plausible, and where data collection constraints are formidable. It also directly assails problematic points of the research process, and so rather than taking academia's methodological disposition as given, as does Creswell, it delineates to students the tradeoffs and disputes involved in forming the consensus as to how the research process is generally accepted to operate. However, to portray this text as a volume on how to do research is a bit misleading, as it is better read as a compendium of well thought out caveats to procedural outlines one can find elsewhere. Finally, it shows that this work was written for the author's students at Yale, not just merely in the quality of the writing, but in addition to the caliber of the research examples used.

For anyone preparing to write a thesis
I am a Master's degree student in the throes of writing my thesis.Initially, I had absolutely no idea how to go about the process until I took a class in which this book was part of the cirriculum.Shively breaks down the process step by step and prepares you for contingencies that are bound to happen along the way.Chapter two is especially useful in learning how to choose a topic and furthermore, a question from which to base a thesis. ... Read more

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At present much of political science consists of a large body of formal theoretical work that remains largely unexplored empirically and an expanding use of sophisticated statistical techniques. While there are examples of noteworthy efforts to bridge the gap between these, there is still a need for much more cooperative work between formal theorists and empirical researchers in the discipline. This book explores how empirical analysis has, can, and should be used to evaluate formal models in political science. These developments, if combined, are potentially a basis for a new revolution in political science. ... Read more

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Al Qaeda and its sympathizers are often viewed as isolated fanatics outside of the mainstream Muslim population outlaws not only in the West but also in respectable Muslim nations. This book argues just the opposite: that in fact terrorism is the logical outgrowth of an international Islamic political agenda that is endorsed and funded by Islam's major players Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan. Author Moorthy S. Muthuswamy labels these nations the "Axis of Jihad". For decades, he says, they have been devoted to extending their spheres of influence in the name of religion.

Utilizing a recent groundbreaking statistical analysis of Islamic doctrines and an analysis based upon the outlook of Muslims, he discusses the possibility that Islam is less a religion and more an ideology of conquest.

Muthuswamy urges US policymakers to rethink the War on Terror along the lines of the successfully waged Cold War against communism. The nuclear physicist-author makes the following main point:

Like the Cold War, this war is more a contest of ideas than armed conflict. Rather than placing the emphasis on military might and costly wars abroad, the West should invest the bulk of its effort in a science-based ideological war, one that is directed at discrediting the simplistic, conquest-oriented theological roots of Islamist indoctrination and jihadist politics.

Muthuswamy also emphasizes the importance of a largely non-Muslim India in the War on Terror, in view of its location and size. The India-born author gives a fascinating description of modern Islamic conquest in South Asia. His insights into the Islamist siege and subversion of Indian democracy should be revealing for the citizens of western democracies.

The author asserts that the West needs India in dealing with the conundrum that is Pakistan, as they both share language, culture, and more with each other.

This fresh perspective on the ongoing threat from Islamist terrorism offers much to ponder about the future course of US foreign policy initiatives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A must read if you care about civilization
Mr Muthuswamy has to be congratulated for having the courage to tell the truth. Unfortunately India, UK and the U.S. have been infested by the ostrich mentality - which is basically having one's head in the sand. Before I digress further, let me begin with a real life anecdote. Few years ago, I visited my town in India. And I asked my brother why the nearby Muslim Mosque loudspeaker wake everyone in the morning. His answer was: "Well it is there religion". It is this lack of objectivity and will to analyze the Muslim phenomenon with a critical angle that will do a great harm to non muslims who do not understand the muslim phenomenon.

First thing a non muslim should do in their attempt to understand Muslims and the news coming out of the places such as Pakistan is to go to the "source". In other words read Quran. Once you see the "us" versus "them" mentality taught in Quran, you will understand the root of the problem. A religion, in my view, is supposed to enlighten human mind to escape animal existence. If the only thing a so called religion does is to divide the world between believers and non believers, then in my view it does not quality to be called a religion. It is nothing more than a "us" versus "them" cult. Which is what I think Islam is.

In India, starting from Gandhi and continuing to this day through Congress Party, there is a tendency to appease particular groups even if these groups are thoroughly wrong. Gandhi may have been a great human being and saint but he was a terrible politician. He ended up conceding to the demands of a separate country for muslims, without getting anything in return. India still does not have common civil law. Indian politician is the biggest curse on India.

I think this is a great book. Islam should be seen for what it is - "Arab imperialism disguised as a religion". God is one or two or millions should be left to a worshiper. It cannot be dictated by a medieval book.

For All Interested Parties
This is topic that I am particularly interested in.I am also very well read on this topic.It was wonderful to find a book that provides new information, insights, and perspectives.Most US readers are not particularly familiar with jihad issues in India, but they will be after reading this book.I felt that it was invaluable in adding sophistication to my understanding of the difficulties we are encountering with political Islam.

A sincere attempt to understand the root cause of gods' terror
This book dissects the deep psyche of Islam, one of the three powerful organized religions that emerged from Abrahamic faith. The book is well written and provides some powerful arguments about the invasive nature of Islamic faith. Many ancient and modern scholars including some of the greatest renaissance scholars studied organized religions, and were shocked to find how monotheistic faith could be easily manipulated by a few elites to control people and cause massive war/destruction. In ancient Greek,and India, monotheistic faith was therefore considered dangerous, and evil. So, I believe that what the author wrote about Islam could equally be applied to the other two monotheistic faiths of Judaism and Christianity. Thus, the real cold war should be played between polytheism and monotheism.

Mindless bigotry in the garb of analysis and commentary
Seeking Mr. Muthuswamy's opinion on Islam would be akin to asking a Bolshevik to elucidate upon capitalism. You're not going to get unbiased insight in either case. Muthuswamy has an agenda against several countries that he has attempted to use this book to achieve. This is a crass and transparent attempt at maligning people based simply on their adherence to a different faith. If you are interested in a highly biased and bigoted view of the world, please by all means, read this book. If, on the other hand, you are interested in a more balanced appraisal of reality you would be better served looking elsewhere.

One of the worse books ive read
Most of the facts in the book are questionable at best, and on top of that, he even has his historic facts of near history (British colonial era) wrong. He also avoids talking about certain points and stresses on circumstantial evidence. You need to have alot of faith in his research to believe his ideas, which I can't. ... Read more

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Political representation lies at the core of modern politics. Democracies, with their vast numbers of citizens, could not operate without representative institutions.Yet relations between the democratic ideal and the everyday practice of political representation have never been well defined and remain the subject of vigorous debate among historians, political theorists, lawyers, and citizens. In this volume, an eminent group of scholars move forward the debates about political representation on a number of fronts. Drawing on insights from political science, history, political theory, economics, and anthropology, the authors provide much-needed clarity to some of the most vexing questions about political representation. They also reveal new and enlightening perspectives on this fundamental political practice. Topics discussed include representation before democracy, political parties, minorities, electoral competition, and ideology. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in the ideal and the reality of political representation. ... Read more

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Since 1962, this text has served as a guide both to the rich technical language of political science and to the actual operation of the American political system. The AMERICAN POLITICAL DICTIONARY can serve as a supplement to other American government texts or as a study guide for examinations, as the chapters correspond to the organization of most textbooks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Book
Book has everything you need in it, especially if your in college and taking a poly sci class

A Student Review of the American Political Dictionary
As a student of American politics, I have found that this book is the most helpfull resource for finding, identifying, analyzing, and comparing every American political concept.From Article I of the Constitution to the 27thamendmant to The Americans with Disablitities Act of 1990 to Marbury v.Madison.This book is complete in every way. The format and layout of thisbook makes it easy to connect to other related concepts of Americanpolitical culture by giving the student a coincise knowledge of ourgovernment.This book also greatly prepares the high school student forthe United States Government and Politics AP exam. If you are looking fora great suplimental teaching and learning tool then look no further becausethis is it. ... Read more

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Addressing the key dilemmas facing environmental policy and scientific debate, this work presents a framework for advancing these debates, and for moving environmental politics towards an understanding of ecological science as a political process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A more intelligent version of the Bjorn Lomborg debate
I was really drawn to the debate last year about that Danish statistician who wrote 'The Skeptical Environmentalist' because I always felt that environmentalists overstated problems, but at the same time, I felt that Lomborg was putting it too simply. This new book, Critical Political Ecology, takes on this whole issue in a different way by looking more deeply at the questions of what is an environmental problem, and the politics of who (and when) someone experiences it, before actually rushing off to measure it. It actually shows how wrong and simple Lomborg is! But it also shows that many popular ideas about environmental problems are also simplistic because they overlook the politics of how problems are seen to be problematic (and who by). Its a good book because it does not simply say 'yes the environment is in crisis' or 'no there is no such thing as crisis' but shows us how we can both understand how environmental problems happen, and the politics of how we see them as problems. This book shows a much better way to question environmentalism in a practical way than Lomborg's sensationalistic effort... It certainly got me thinking...

At last a book that seems to speak my language
I like this book, and recommend it to anyone who is interested in politics of environment. I am a climatologist who is trying to understand more about environmental policy, and I have often felt that the world is divided into people who understand science but not politics, and social scientists who seem to be disconnected from the real world. This book seems to fall in the middle because it criticizes many scientific assumptions about environment, but doesn't fall into the trap of those people who seem to think that any science is bad, or that everything is just social discourse. In fact this book tries to show how to get a better sense of reality about environmental change. It speaks my language because it is actually quite hopeful about getting science right and more engaged with the political process, even though it is critical about some elements of how environmental science is talked about. I enjoyed it because it showed that it is possible to remain scientific about environment plus political too. It also has a lot of discussion about 'political ecology' that I found interesting. ... Read more

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