Books in the Contemporary States and Societies series

A new fifth edition of a well-established and popular introduction to all aspects of life in the US, fully updated to take into account the latest key domestic and international developments.

The third edition of Contemporary Russia is fully revised to provide a comprehensive introduction to the society, politics and culture of one of the most important countries in global affairs today. The author details Russia's historical background as well as the nation's current concerns and distinctive features in this accessible analysis.

A new edition of a popular introduction to all aspects of life in Britain. This version reflects on the ongoing fallout from the global financial and eurozone crises; the May 2015 General Election; the September 2014 referendum on Scottish independence; the new tone of debate on immigration; and the June 2016 Brexit referendum.

China has created its own distinctive pathway to becoming one of the world's largest economies - and the country's economic and political development over the next decade will have profound implications for the rest of the world.

Fully updated for the third edition, Contemporary Latin America provides an accessible concise introduction to the region. Historical context, the countries and their peoples provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of politics, economy, society and culture and the continent's prospects today.

In the last quarter century, Ireland has experienced dramatic political and economic change. This broad-ranging text provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to Irish society, politics and culture, as well as developments in its economy and place in Europe and the world.

Fully revised and updated, this widely-praised introductory text explores Japan through the prism of three alternative perspectives: Mainstream, revisionist and culturalist. Beginning with the notion of Japan as a 'contested territory' the book focuses on debates about the real nature of Japan's successes and shortcomings.

A broad-ranging introduction to politics and society in India, set in a historical and cultural context. Written by two expert authors it assumes no prior knowledge but aims to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the key issues that have faced India since independence and the challenges it confronts in the 21st century.