The benchmark first and second editions of Comparing Democracies represented essential guides to the global study of elections. Reflecting recent developments in the field, this timely third edition gives an indispensable state-of-the art review of the whole field from the world's leading international scholars.

With a completely new thematic introduction which explores how democracy is built and sustained, thoroughly updated chapters (many of which are also new) , the third edition provides a theoretical and comparative understanding of the major topics related to elections and introduces important work on key new areas.

Comparing Democracies, third edition will remain a must-read for students and lecturers of elections and voting behaviour, comparative politics, parties, and democracy.

Contents:

Introduction: Building and Sustaining Democracy

Lawrence LeDuc, Richard G. Niemi, and Pippa Norris

PART I: ELECTORAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROCESSES

Electoral Systems and Election Management

Elisabeth Carter and David M. Farrell

Political Parties and Party Systems

Susan E. Scarrow

Party and Campaign Finance

Ingrid van Biezen

Election Campaigns

Christopher Wlezien

Campaign Communications and Media

Claes H. de Vreese

PART II: PUBLIC OPINION AND VOTING

Ideology, Partisanship and Democratic Development

Russell J. Dalton

Political Participation

Andre Blais

Elections and the Economy

Timothy Hellwig

Women and Elections

Marian Sawer

Conclusion

The Consequences of Elections

G. Bingham Powell