Global politics, also referred to as world politics, refers to the field which studies the interaction of political systems in the world and the political processes that influence those systems. It includes all the aspects of world politics including: political systems of nations, international trade, environmental policy, international social policy, and diplomacy. In the center of this field are the various processes of political globalization pertaining to issues of global social status. In addition, globalization processes influence the interaction of nation-states, the evolution of international organizations, and the allocation of resources.
A great deal of research has gone into the study of world politics and its relationships between nation-states, global associations, international institutions, and international trade. The major theories include: political globalization, cultural globalization, structural globalization, international institutionalism, and international economic governance. Much research has been done on the impact of cultural and political globalization on the evolution of international institutions. Studies have shown that political globalization is playing a crucial role in determining the direction of international economic policies, standards of living, and attitudes regarding international assistance and development. Political globalization is also contributing to the maintenance of human insecurity, environmental pollution, and political conflict.
Comparative political economy studies the relationships among economic units in the world. Comparative political economy attempts to reveal the similarities and differences of domestic and international policies, institutions, practices, and sources of wealth and income in a given polity. Comparative political economy traces its historical origins to nineteenth-century French philosopher Emile Zola’s quest for a model of international political economy. His efforts focused on understanding the relationship between national and international capital, statehood, and political economy. This research provided the first solid framework for international political economy.
Comparative political science combines quantitative methods with qualitative methods to offer a more grounded analysis of world politics. Comparative political science uses a variety of methodologies such as micro-scientific approaches, survey methods, event-study methods, and comparative case studies. It examines both major and minor aspects of world politics. The field of comparative international relations seeks to explain patterns and phenomena in political science research, while identifying the drivers of change.
Many scholars have looked into the relationship between human rights, nation-states, global economics, and international politics. Human rights is a major theme in political science and the promotion and protection of human rights is an important component of diplomacy and foreign affairs. Nation-states are the key players in international political processes. The role of these entities in the management of international political affairs, and in implementing multilateral political objectives is an essential topic for those in international relations. Comparative political science can also look at how nations interact with each other, and how these interactions affect the policies and objectives of both countries.
Comparative political science combines economic theory, national politics, international political science, international business, and development, political rhetoric, diplomacy, in order to understand the complex global political environment. This approach is also used to understand the process by which power is acquired and maintained among nations. In this way it has been used to shed light on issues concerning peace and security, economic growth, international business, human rights, and global governance. Comparative political science research contributes towards an understanding of world politics that is unique.