Revolutions, social movements, religious and ethnic conflict, nationalism and civil rights, and transnational movements: these forms of contentious politics combine in Charles Tilly's and Sidney Tarrow's Contentious Politics. The book presents a set of analytical tools and procedures for study, comparison, and explanation of these very different sorts of contention. Drawing on many historical and contemporary cases, the book shows that similar principles describe and explain a wide variety of struggles as well as many more routine forms of politics. Tilly and Tarrow have written the book to introduce readers to an exciting new program of political and sociological analysis.

Introduces comparative politics "from the bottom up," showing the experiences of ordinary citizens interacting with institutions of government.

Presents a set of analytical tools that students can use to do their own studies of political struggle around the world.

Compares groups, movements, and conflicts cross-nationally and historically.

Clearly shows the connections and differences among revolutions, coups, social movements, civil wars, resistance to authoritarian regimes, nationalistic movements, and many other forms of popular protest--linking them to politics within the halls of government.

Provides dramatic, comprehensible presentations of conflict episodes and evidence.

Methodological appendices neatly sum up concepts, methods, and conflicts presented in the book.

Presents all, including the author's influential theories and those of others, accessibly for the undergraduate.

Contains more than 30 charts, graphs, tables and photos.

All told, the book's vibrant narrative integrates all forms of political action--formal and informal--into a vivid introduction for students.