Comparative Politics

As a departmental specialization, we explore the political, economic, and societal dynamics of power worldwide. Themes include state power and resistance, democracy and authoritarianism, the political economy of development, identity politics, colonial and post-colonialisms, social movements, and human rights. We value different world views and embrace various methodological approaches, including in-depth field research, historical and institutional analyses, interpretive and discursive methods, and broader empirical approaches. Our strengths include a regional focus in the wider Asia-Pacific, including East, Southeast, and South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

Core Faculty

Related Courses

  • POLS 305: Global Politics/Comparative
  • POLS 306: Comparative Politics of Developing Countries
  • POLS 307 (Alpha): Topics in Comparative Politics: Country/Regional
  • POLS 640: Comparative Politics
  • POLS 680: Asian and/or Pacific Politics
  • POLS 740: Seminar: Comparative Government and Politics
  • POLS 780: Seminar: Politics of Regions
The Comparative and Asia Working Group (faculty and graduate student members) meet to discuss their research in progress.
The Comparative and Asia Working Group (faculty and graduate student members) meet to discuss their research in progress.