What is politics? Is it a universal feature of all human societies,past and present? Is it tied to specific institutional arenas? Oris it found in all groups and organizations, large or small, formalor informal?This new textbook seeks to provide answers to these importantquestions. Starting with what it means to 'thinkpolitically', the book goes on to explore a wide range ofmeanings attributed to the concept of politics from a variety ofperspectives and theoretical traditions. It offers succinct andcoherent overviews by some of the foremost scholars in the field,and each invites the reader to see the activity of politics in adistinctive way. Topics covered include politics as a form of rule,feminist approaches to politics, Marxism and politics, the politicsof human behaviour, environmental politics, politics as collectivechoice, and Islam and politics.Written with the new student in mind, this concise introductionto the study and activity of politics is essential reading for allthose coming to the discipline for the first time.