This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of Comparative Politics. Building on the general introduction to political science, it deepens students’ understanding of how political systems operate and vary across countries. The course introduces students to key concepts, theories, and methods in comparative analysis and equips them with the tools to critically examine political institutions, processes, and conflicts around the world.

We begin by exploring foundational questions of power, legitimacy, democracy, the state, and the nation. The course then surveys major institutional configurations, including regimes, electoral systems, party systems, and systems of government. In parallel, we examine how political power is structured, contested, and legitimized across different contexts.

In the latter part of the course, we turn to pressing contemporary issues such as globalisation, populism, and key policy areas. Throughout, students are encouraged to apply comparative frameworks to real-world cases and reflect on current political dynamics.

By the end of the course, students will not only be familiar with the key building blocks of Comparative Politics, but also able to use them to interpret and explain political developments in diverse national contexts.