POLIS 1104 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

The rise of China, India and the European Union, alongside other regional powers such as Japan and Russia, has raised questions about the United States' continued dominance in global politics and economics. It has also opened a debate about competing political and socio-economic developmental models and their effectiveness in promoting political stability, economic growth and social equity. Employing theories, concepts and methods of Comparative Politics, this course compares and contrasts the political systems of major powers. It examines their political history, constitutions, political institutions and parties, electoral systems, economic systems, political cultures and domestic contests. It also reflects upon policy-making processes and their capacity to address critical socio-economic problems states and nations face in the 21st century.