An example introductory textbook on the politics of Third World Countries, this book draws on examples from Latin America, Africa and Asia to analyse their role in the global political economy.

`An important introduction to a vast subject ... it is well -referenced and has a useful chapter bibliography.' - Teaching Politics

`Most coherent ... a splendid book which should not only find its place on student reading lists but can be read with great profit by specialists within the field.' - Times Higher Education Supplement

`This admirable book is a remarkable distillation of the experiences of 170 or so new and some not quite so new states ... a lucid exposition, backed by a wealth of supporting evidence.' - British Book News

Christopher Clapham was formerly Lecturer at the Universities of Addis Ababa, Manchester and the West Indies. He is currently a professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Lancaster.