Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics examines political systems and processes across local, national, and cultural boundaries. Students explore how scholars conceptualize and theorize political phenomena to make subnational and cross-national comparisons.
Topics of study include political development, national integration, political institutions, electoral systems, elite and mass behavior, interest groups, political parties, and policymaking processes. Through comparative research, scholars draw on case studies and aggregate data to understand the contexts and consequences of political decisions.
Research Areas
Faculty research in Comparative Politics covers a range of topics, including:
- Political Institutions and Political Economies
- Elections and Voting
- Comparative Political Economy and Development
- Authoritarianism and Democratic Backsliding
- Political Behavior and Ideologies
- Technology and Governance
- Research Methods
Research Labs and Programs
Law and Conflict Research Lab
The Law and Conflict Research Lab brings together scholars studying the implications of law for armed intrastate and interstate conflict, governance, foreign policy, and peace processes.
Faculty
- Andy Baker , Professor
- Mollie Cohen , Assistant Professor
- Tara Grillos , Associate Professor
- James A. McCann , Professor
- Liana Eustacia Reyes , Assistant Professor
- Joan Timoneda , Assistant Professor
- Eddie Yang , Assistant Professor
Degrees and Programs
- Bachelor of Arts (Undergraduate)
- Master of Arts (Graduate)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Graduate)