The Approaches in Comparative Politics: Theoretically Fundamental Knowledge

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present theoretically fundamental knowledge of Comparative Politics as a subfield of Political Science. By reviewing the theoretical important documents, the result is that we can separate the approaches of comparative politics study into 3 main approaches – classified by ontological perspective. There are the rational choice approach, cultural approach and institutional approach. It should be noted that each approach has its own strengths and the weaknesses. For understanding of political phenomenons practically, we should tightly hold more onto the reality of the phenomenons and the main questions of our study/research than the approaches. Moreover, the author has tried to use the institutional approach to present a perspective understanding of Thai politics after Coup 2014 as a part of this article. Nevertheless, the dialogue between each approach will lead the study/research to reach the capacity of all-around and deep consideration.