This Handbook presents in one volume an authoritative overview of the theoretical, methodological, and substantive elements of comparative political science. The 28 specially commissioned chapters, written by renowned comparative scholars, guide the reader through the central issues and debates, presenting a state-of-the-art guide to the past, present, and possible futures of the field.The Handbook is divided into four separate parts on comparative methods (Part I), sub-fields within comparative politics (Part II), mainstream issues in comparative politics (Part III), and emerging problems and new issues in comparative politics (Part IV).