Why have some states successfully democratized, while others have tried and failed? Why is political participation higher in some democratic states than in others? Why does political violence occur in one state, but not in another? The study of comparative politics enables students to answer these questions, raise important questions of their own, and develop tools to critically analyze the similarities and differences across states, explore a variety of political systems, and consider the institutional, economic, social and cultural forces that impact and inform them. Case studies from Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America provide practical examples illustrating the theories and concepts that are introduced.