* Provides a balanced, comprehensive account of contemporary trends in world, regional and nation-state government and politics* Captures the global changes, both theoretical and factual, of the past three decades - to give an unprecedented overview of political science and political affairs* Clearly and incisively written to meet the needs of students, lecturers and practitioners at all levels* Helpful bibliographies - of new and classic material and suggestions for further reading * Extensive index of Topics and People`Provides a comprehensive introduction to both the