Written by a distinguished group of comparativists, this innovative and accessible introductory text surveys 12 key countries organized according to their level of political development: established democracies, transitional democracies, and non-democracies. The country studies illuminate four comparative themes in a global context: the world of states, examining the interaction of states within the international order; governing the economy, covering the role of the state in economic management; the democratic idea, discussing the pressure for more democracy and the challenges of democratization; and the politics of collective identities, studying the political impact of diverse attachments and sources of group identity.
I think that those taking Comparative Politics should definitely read this book. I personally, as well as my class, had issues reading this textbook because of how dense it was. Our teacher recommend buying the AP Comparative Government and Politics: An Essential Coursebook and Study Guide, 5th ed by Ethel Wood. I did find the Ethel Wood much more helpful. The Wood book was easier to read and had helpful tests and vocabulary tips.