"Politics is a gateway to a broader and better understanding of human nature, society, and the world." This idea has inspired each edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES. Thomas Magstadt's book provides in-depth coverage of contemporary political issues and calls attention to the more enduring underlying questions. With its intense and engaging "politics are pertinent" theme, the 12th edition fascinates students with its analysis of three fundamental premises: politics is a pervasive force in modern society; government is too important to be left in the hands of a few; and everyone has the opportunity to participate in public life in a republic. This edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS focuses on vital topics and concepts such as democracy, dictatorship, ideology, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, public policy, leadership, war, revolution, foreign policy, world politics, and international law.

1. Introduction: The Study of Politics.
2. The Idea of the Public Good: Ideologies and Isms.
Part I: COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS: MODELS AND THEORIES.
3. Utopias: Model States.
4. Constitutional Democracy: Models of Representation.
5. The Authoritarian Model: Myth and Reality.
6. The Totalitarian Model: A False Utopia.
Part II: ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING DEMOCRACIES.
7. Parliamentary Democracy: Pros and Cons of Perishable Governments.
8. States and Economies in Transition: Between Democracy and Yesterday.
9. Development: Myths and Realities.
Part III: POLITICS BY CIVIL MEANS: CITIZENS, LEADERS, AND POLICIES.
10. Political Socialization: The Making of a Citizen.
11. Political Participation: The Limits of Democracy.
12. Political Leadership: The Many Faces of Power.
13. Issues in Public Policy: Politics, Principles, Priorities, and Practices.
Part IV: POLITICS BY VIOLENT MEANS: REVOLUTION, WAR, AND TERRORISM.
14. Revolution: In the Name of Justice.
15. War: Politics by Other Means.
16. Terrorism: War, Crimes, or War Crimes?
Part V: POLITICS WITHOUT GOVERNMENT.
17. International Relations: The Struggle for World Order.
18. Afterword: The Power of Knowledge.
Endnotes.
Glossary.
Index.

"Politics is a gateway to a broader and better understanding of human nature, society, and the world." This idea has inspired each edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS: IDEAS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ISSUES. Thomas Magstadt's book provides in-depth coverage of contemporary political issues and calls attention to the more enduring underlying questions. With its intense and engaging "politics are pertinent" theme, the 12th edition fascinates students with its analysis of three fundamental premises: politics is a pervasive force in modern society; government is too important to be left in the hands of a few; and everyone has the opportunity to participate in public life in a republic. This edition of UNDERSTANDING POLITICS focuses on vital topics and concepts such as democracy, dictatorship, ideology, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, public policy, leadership, war, revolution, foreign policy, world politics, and international law. "Think About It" questions with each feature challenge students to connect them with the main text. Chapter 17 has been recast and expanded to examine the basic principles and concepts in international relations, the evolving structure and context of world politics, certain key global issues, international law, and the role of the United Nations. Examples and updates throughout include: the 2014 midterm election, the war in Ukraine, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Middle East, and various recent events at home and abroad. This edition focuses on the effective, foundation-building approach to the study of politics and government by identifying then describing and explaining political phenomena to grab students' attention. The emphasis on the common threads tying major political ideas, issues, and institutions together helps students make sense of the political and economic world. The expanded non-American-centric topics provide a more global approach to politics. Boxed features such as "Ideas and Politics" and "Landmarks in History" provide students with background information to help conceptualization.