What is populism? Is communism the same in China and Cuba? What makes a democracy? If you're not sure, this is the book for you!Whether you're studying politics or not, if you're not sure whether politics matters or why your vote counts, get your hands on this thought-provoking book--it defines the big ideas you need to know and provides inspiration for analysing, interrogating, and changing your world. This introduction-to-politics book offers: - An easy-to-understand guide to politics by topics broken down by political thinkers and branches of government. - Bright visuals alongside digestible text makes the subject of politics engaging and accessible. - In-depth information to help you understand the ideas that shape our world. How do ideas make the world go round? What are the political left and right? What's the difference between capitalism and communism, or democracy and dictatorship? Who really holds the power? Look inside to find out why politics matters, and how its ideas shape our world. Politics Is... unpacks the complicated language and often messy world of politics while focusing on contemporary issues, as well as the history of politics. It explains the ideas and "-isms" that shape our world as well as investigating the role of external factors, such as protest and the media, in political decision-making.