The second edition of this user-friendly text for students taking introductory courses in politics builds on the success of the first edition. It provides completely updated and stimulating coverage of topics essential to the understanding of contemporary politics. Ideal for students taking combined degrees at introductory level in politics and the social sciences, it emphasises the individual and social dimension of politics and covers theories and concepts in an accessible way. New features in the second edition include: new examples drawn from Western democracies and other political systems; expanded sections on nationalism, religion, alternative politics, globalisation and ethnic conflict; updated examples from the most contemporary political events; biographies of key political thinkers and figures.