Chapters 1-7 * A substantially revised set of theory chapters (1-7) introduces the key concepts and theories that are applied in the country studies. Data tables and references have been updated with more of our countries systematically covered. A more extensive use of graphs and charts more clearly demonstrate relationships. Chapter 1 * Reorganized to create a more reader friendly introduction. * Provides more thorough discussion of globalization and its components and consequences. Chapter 2 * Reorganized to create a more reader friendly introduction. Chapter 3 * Provides more thorough discussion of globalization and its components and consequences. Chapter 7 * Introduces its concept of "political goods" with reference to the United Nations Millennium Goals and systematically treats policy goals and consequences, including welfare, fairness, liberty, and security outcomes.

* Politicides, cases of extreme government abuses of their own population, are now discussed. * Provides more thorough discussion of globalization and its components and consequences. Britain * Describes how the coalition government of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats under the prime ministership of David Cameron has performed. France * French voters rejected President Sakozy''s bid for a second term in May 2012, and elected a self-confessed "normal" Socialist, François Hollande, as president. But even with a new legislative majority Hollande''s policy initiatives have had mixed successes. Germany * In the recent 2013 election voters strongly endorsed Angela Merkel''s largely successful economic policies. But the FDP, her previous government partner, lost its legislative representation. A complex bargaining process eventually resulted in a grand coalition of Merkel-led CDU/CSU and the SPD.

Japan * The election of 2012 returned the Liberal Democrats to government. The LDP prime minister, ShinzM Abe, has begun a dramatic reform program intended to revive the national economy. Russia * The chapter covers the 2012 election of Vladimir Putin to a third presidential term, as well as the continuing slide toward autocracy and human rights abuses. China * China''s Communist Party managed a successful transition to a "fifth generation" of leaders and was able to sustain continuing economic growth and international economic influence, while still suppressing human rights and political challenges. Mexico * The 2012 election of President Enrique Peña Nieto brought the once-dominant PRI party back into power for the first time since Mexico''s democratizing election of 2000. * The chapter describes the new president''s initiatives and efforts to deal with divided government in a context of an increasingly active citizenry making use of social media for scrutinizing political behavior. Brazil * Dilma Rousseff was elected president in 2011. She is continuing the economic and social programs of the Workers Party that had begun under the popular Lula administration.

Iran * Hassan Rouhani''s election as president in 2013 potentially marks a fundamental change in Iran''s foreign and domestic policies--and a sharp break from Ahmadinejad''s administration. Although he has been an official in prior Iranian governments, Rouhani has expressed support for reform causes and has opened a dialogue with Western governments over their sanctions because of Iran''s nuclear program. India * India continues to face the dual challenges of deepening democracy and improving the economy as part of a global economic system. The booming IT sector and some decline in militancy in Kashmir have created opportunities, but many obstacles remain. Nigeria * The new chapter discusses the continuation of Nigeria''s longest period of civilian rule under President Goodluck Jonathan, confirmed in a nation-wide election in 2011. But intensified regional divisions and massive corruption make governing difficult and challenge democratic consolidation. United States * The new chapter discusses the re-election of President Barack Obama in 2012, the continuing Republican control of the House of Representatives, and the problems of policymaking under conditions of divided government and intense policy polarization between Democrats and Republicans.