The fifth edition of this important handbook by bestselling author Andrew Heywood continues to be at the forefront as a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to politics. Known for its engaging and accessible style, this book helps students understand the fundamental concepts and theories of the field and use them to comprehend its key subfields, from elections and voting to security and global governance.

Systematically revised and updated throughout, it also employs a range of tried-and-tested pedagogical features—such as the presentation of Key Thinkers and frameworks for Debating Perspectives—to connect different viewpoints and help bring contemporary institutions, events, and developments to life.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive coverage, from political theory and key aspects of governance to political economy and international relations.
• Restructured and revised to reflect the decline of democracy and the rise of populism and authoritarianism in various parts of the world.
• The new features of Introduction to Politics reflect the latest political developments, such as the Trump presidency, Brexit, and "fake news."
• Accompanied by a brand-new website, which includes a glossary with flashcards, additional cases, interactive simulations, and online links for students, PowerPoint slides, a test bank, and a guide for instructors on how to use the book.

Drawing on a wide range of international examples, this text is the ideal choice for instructors around the world. Carefully designed and written to align with how the subject is introduced at the undergraduate level, it remains the appropriate text for undergraduate introductory and comparative political courses. Furthermore, it can be used as preliminary reading or as a reference point throughout the study of politics.