A balance of thematic chapters and country studies gives students the theoretical and country knowledge they need to study comparative politics and to explore the text's theme of why governments exist, what functions they serve, and how they create problems and solutions. Four thematic chapters provide an overview of democracy in Europe by looking at the region's history and geography, political culture, political organizations, and political institutions. Six country studies on England, France, Germany, Spain, Russia, Poland, and Bulgaria describe the politics of each country and comment on their unique political characteristics. To facilitate comparison, each chapter typically covers historical, social, and economic context, government institutions and structures, political culture and socialization, interest groups, political parties, policy processes and outcomes, and international relations. A chapter on the European Union explains the political system of this unique regional and global actor. Boxes throughout the text compare political systems, provide examples of important political leaders and events, and examine trends like globalization and fundamentalism. Updated "Current Policy Challenges" and country biographies at the beginning of each chapter review that country's major political issues and place them in historical context. Numerous maps, figures, and tables present important data on geography, population, and economics as well as clarify key concepts in politics and government.

Key terms, review questions, and suggested websites and readings at the end of each chapter offer an opportunity for critical thinking and further study. Custom Database for Comparative Politics ( www.pearsoncustom.com/custom-library/pearson-custom-comparative-politics ). The online book-building site makes it easy for you to create your own version of this bestselling text. Choose the thematic chapters and country studies you need for your course, including ones not in European Politics Today . Just click on the chapters you need, place them in the order you teach them, and add outside materials like syllabi, exercises, readings, etc. You will receive your own free evaluation copy so you can see your text before you decide.

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