Understanding the Political World is a dynamic and accessible introduction to the fascinating world of politics and the ways in which political scientists attempt to describe and explain it. Using a strong comparative framework, the text links the central analytical concepts of political science that have emerged over decades of research to the realities of the political world of the early 21st century. With a highly-praised art program and lively boxed features, Understanding the Political World engages students as it encourages them to think like political scientists. The Fifth Edition has been thoroughly updated so that students have the information and tools they need to think about the challenges and opportunities facing our world today.