Contemporary Political Systems: Classifications and Typologies

Classification systems and typologies, if properly developed, can help formulate research questions, determine agendas for inquiry, and lead to the development of scientifically testable hypotheses and general theory building. In political science, however, influential classifications and typologies become obsolete faster than in many other disciplines. They are also used highly sel ectively and are given various meanings in various political and cultural environments. It is therefore important that cross-cultural comparative work in this field be regularly updated, revised, and improved, and that the classifications and typologies used most often be reevaluated.

Designed to accomplish these tasks, this seminal book is represents a full spectrum of political, ideological, and cultural environments. It is intended, as well, as a contribution toward consensus building in the international community of political scientists.

• THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL CONCERNS.
• Introduction—A. Bebler.
• On Classification—A. Marradi.
• The Theory of the Mixed Regime and the Problem of Power: A Machiavellian Meditation—B.J. Smith.
• MODERN TYPOLOGIES.
• Democratic Political Systems—A. Lijphart.
• Authoritarianism—L. Morlino.
• On the Classification of Socialist Political Systems—B.N. Topornin.
• Typologies of Socialist Systems—J. Seroka.
• The Comparative Study of Third World Political Systems—V. Chirkin.
• Typologies of Third World Political Systems—D. Berg-Schlosser.
• A Neoinstitutional Typology of Third World Politics—F.W. Riggs.
• Typologies Based on Political Parties—J.J. Wiatr.
• Typologies Based on Civilian-Dominated vs. Military-Dominated Political Systems—A. Bebler.
• CLASSIFICATIONS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA.
• Africa—C.E. Welch, Jr.
• Arab World—B. Korany.
• Latin America—C. Huneeus.
• CONCLUSIONS.
• A Long Journey Begins With a Single Step—J. Seroka.