"Third world politics: an introduction."

Third World countries have played an increasingly important role in international affairs and in the world economy in the past few decades. The regimes in Third World countries are sometimes unstable and inefficient, but they play a crucial part in fostering economic development.

This book is an introductory textbook on the politics of Third World countries. Drawing on examples from Latin America, Africa and Asia the book portrays the key features of these governments. Showing how Third World countries were brought into the world order it goes on to consider the role they play at present in the global economy. Social characteristics are examined and the nature and activities of Third World governments are discussed. In particular it explores the military in politics, the handling by governments of domestic and external politics and the management of economic development.

Throughout, Third World Politics stresses the vast differences in government, economy and society which occur in the various parts of the Third World, besides surveying the common features.

This general introductory text will benefit all students eager to gain an insight into the political structures within Third World countries.