Comparative Political Thought

Abstract

Comparative political theory (CPT) is a subfield of political theory. It is sometimes thought to be synonymous with the study of nonwestern political thought, or global political thought. In brief, it turns beyond western theoretical texts, ideas, and traditions, and seeks to make nonwestern resources a necessary component of the study of political theory, calling for the study of all civilizations, particularly those outside the west. Indeed, the term “comparative” may seem misleading, if it implies that this subfield only concerns itself with comparison between specific units or entities. Instead, we should understand the term “comparative” as it is used in describing the various fields of political science in the USA. “Comparative politics” describes that subfield which goes beyond the dominant realm of US politics. Similarly, in the case of political theory, Euro‐American or western thought is the dominant object of study; thus “comparative political theory” turns beyond this dominant tradition. There has been some debate about whether “comparative” is the best designation for a subfield that includes almost any mode of studying nonwestern thought. But the name has now become associated with a general inclusivity, openness toward, and curiosity about otherness.