The main aim of the course is to analyse the changing nature of politics in the developing world in the twenty-first century. In doing so the course emphasizes the interconnectedness political development, economic development and social development in an increasingly globalized world. A central goal of the course is to familiarize students with the main concepts and theories of political development and enable them to use them in the analysis of contemporary societies of the developing world. The state and society relations occupy a central position in trying to explore the nature of politics in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The course considers the relationship between political systems, democracy, poverty and development.