This is an ideal introduction for all embarking on a degree in Politics
or International Relations. Starting from the premise that the 'doing'
of political science is an active, and interactive, process of critical
evaluation, it addresses the crucial question of how - as well as what -
we should study.
The book examines a wide range of theoretical perspectives and shows how
they can be usefully applied to questions such as 'Why do states go to
war?' and 'In whose interests does the political system work?' Chapters
are organized by core areas of study - such as power, the state, policy,
institutions, the media, security, political economy - and show how
theories can be used and applied within each topic.