Political Parties and Democracy

Consider this five-volume set a useful tool for enthusiasts of political science. Averaging about 20 pages each, the 46 chapters edited by Lawson (emeritus, political science, San Francesco State Univ.; former coeditor, International Political Science Review) discuss how the political parties of various nations have changed over recent history and the conflicts and challenges each country's political parties currently face. The five volumes cover selected countries in a particular region, including North, South, and Central America; Europe; former Soviet countries and Asia; Africa and Oceania; and the Arab world including Turkey and Israel. Particular attention is paid to how the political parties have worked either for or against the people, or, in cases like the former Soviet states, how political parties are functioning in relatively new democracies. While most chapters look back over the last half century, in some cases the authors—most are in academia and are natives of the countries they are writing about—provide a longer view in order to analyze the country's current political status. Notes and an index end each volume. BOTTOM LINE While casual readers likely won't be engaged, upper-class and graduate students in political science endeavors should find it useful. Buy it if your curriculum and budget permits. Libraries owning Political Parties and Democracy (Johns Hopkins, 2001) in particular might wish to upgrade their holdings.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown