Traditional Approaches in Comparative Politics

A resident of Center Harbor, New Hampshire, Jorge I. Dominguez is an accomplished writer and publisher. Jorge I. Dominguez holds a doctorate in political science.

Comparative politics is a branch of political science that refers to the study of political systems, institutions, and conflicts of countries by comparing the governments, political systems, and political institutions of the countries. Comparative politics uses analytical and empirical research, interdisciplinary focus, and a study of the political processes in countries.

One of the methods of studying comparative politics is the traditional approach, which emphasizes the normative value of politics and focuses almost solely on the study of different political features. Types of the traditional approach include philosophical, historical, legal, and institutional.

The philosophical approach aims to understand the history and nature of politics as suggested by ancient philosophers. The historical approach posits that people cannot understand political theories unless they consider historical factors.

The legal approach to the study of comparative politics considers the state as machinery for law enforcement. The institutional approach is concerned with formal political structures, such as the judiciary, executive, and legislative.