Introduction to Political Psychology

<p>This fifth edition of <i>Introduction to Political Psychology</i> explores the many psychological patterns that influence individual political behavior. The authors introduce readers to a broad range of theories concepts and case studies of political activity arguing that individuals are driven or motivated to act in accordance with personality characteristics values beliefs and attachments to groups. The book explains many aspects of political behavior—whether seemingly pathological actions or normal decision-making practices which sometimes work optimally and sometimes fail.</p><p>Thoroughly updated throughout the book examines patterns of political behavior in areas including leadership group behavior voting race nationalism terrorism and war. This edition features:</p><ul> <li>Detailed coverage of political polarization and the psychology behind it;</li> <li>Up-to-date topics and case studies focused on the 2024 US election the war in Ukraine and the Israel–Palestine conflict as well as social movements such as climate change activism Black Lives Matter and #MeToo;</li> <li>A robust suite of timesaving support material.</li> </ul><p>Accessibly written and comprehensive in scope it is an essential companion for all graduate and upper-level undergraduate students of psychology political science and political psychology. It will also be of interest to those in the policy-making community especially those looking to learn more about the extent to which perceptions personality and group dynamics affect the policy-making arena.</p>