Select Political Science Chapters
1. The World since 1991
2. Key Concepts and Issues since 1991: Globalisation
3. Key Concepts and Issues since 1991: Humanitarian Issues
4. Contemporary India: Challenges to Peace, Stability and National Integration
5. Contemporary India: Good Governance
6. India and the World
What is Political Science?
As of my last update in January 2022, Political
Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of governments,
political processes, political behavior, power relations, and public policies.
It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political theory, comparative
politics, international relations, public administration, public policy, and
political economy.
Recent studies in Political Science have
continued to explore traditional topics such as the structures and functions of
governments, the behavior of political actors, and the dynamics of
international relations. However, there has also been an increasing focus on
emerging issues such as:
1. Political polarization: Research into the causes and consequences of political
polarization, both within and between countries, has become increasingly
prominent. This includes studying factors such as media fragmentation, identity
politics, and ideological extremism.
2. Globalization and governance: With the increasing interconnectedness of the world, Political
Science has been examining the implications of globalization for governance
structures at the national and international levels. This includes analyzing
the role of international organizations, transnational actors, and global
governance mechanisms.
3. Technology and politics: The rise of digital technologies has had profound effects on politics,
from shaping electoral campaigns to influencing public opinion and
participation. Political Science research has been exploring issues such as
digital democracy, online activism, and the impact of social media on political
discourse.
4. Environmental politics: As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability
have grown, Political Science has increasingly focused on the intersection of
politics and environmental issues. This includes studying environmental
policy-making, international environmental agreements, and the role of
political institutions in addressing environmental challenges.
5. Identity politics and social movements: Political Science research has also been examining the role of
identity-based movements in shaping political agendas and mobilizing for social
change. This includes studying movements based on factors such as race, gender,
ethnicity, sexuality, and religion.
Overall, Political Science remains a dynamic
and evolving field, continually adapting to new developments and challenges in
the political landscape. Researchers continue to explore a wide range of topics
with the aim of deepening our understanding of political phenomena and
informing policy-making and governance practices.