The Essence of Politics
Title
The Essence of Politics
Price
€ 20,99
ISBN
9789463727211
Format
Paperback
Number of pages
136
Language
English
Publication date
Dimensions
15.6 x 23.4 cm
Also available as
eBook PDF - € 18,99
Table of Contents
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1. What is Politics? 2. Conflict and Cooperation 3. Key Questions 4. Political Actors 5. Political Conflicts 6. Political Power 7. The Political Landscape and the Wider Context 8. The Political System and the Political Community

Reviews and Features

"Truly one of the most clear, intelligent definitions and descriptions of politics."
Carl Devos, Acta Politica

Cees van der Eijk

The Essence of Politics

What is politics about? At its core, politics is about resolving matters that are contested in a society or group. It exists not only within and between states, but also within religious institutions, sports organisations, commercial enterprises, schools and social organisations. Politics is driven by conflict, but also by cooperation. To understand politics, we must ask specific ('key') questions about the nature of political conflict, about persons, groups and institutions that are involved, about their resources, and about the wider context that both constrains and provides opportunities for all. It also requires an understanding of concepts such as power, influence and political community, and, of course, of the terms politics, conflict and cooperation.

This book is about the 'essence' of politics, which is introduced by way of key questions and concepts that are indispensable for understanding politics in many different settings.
Author

Cees van der Eijk

Cees van der Eijk is Professor of Social Science Research Methods at the University of Nottingham (UK); earlier he was Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. He has (co)authored numerous books, scholarly articles and book chapters on political science, comparative politics, elections, and political methodology.

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