Comparative Politics has undergone significant transformations. Initially, it focused predominantly on formal institutions and Western states, employing a descriptive and legalistic approach. The behavioral revolution in the mid-20th century shifted the focus to individual and group behavior, political culture, and empirical analysis, seeking to develop generalizable theories. Post-behavioralism then re-emphasized normative concerns and policy relevance.

In the contemporary era, Comparative Politics is characterized by a broader scope, encompassing developing countries, non-state actors, and global issues. It embraces methodological pluralism, integrating quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Theoretical diversity is also prominent, with approaches like rational choice institutionalism, historical institutionalism, and constructivism. Key themes include democratization, governance, identity politics, and the impact of globalization. The field now seeks to understand political phenomena through context-specific analysis while striving for broader theoretical insights.

The Political Economy Approach examines the intricate relationship between political and economic processes. It analyzes how political decisions influence economic outcomes and, conversely, how economic structures and forces shape political behavior and institutions. This approach investigates state-market relations, the distribution of wealth and power, and the role of various actors (states, corporations, labor unions) in shaping economic policy and development trajectories. In Comparative Politics, it helps explain variations in development, welfare state models, economic reforms, and the political implications of inequality and resource allocation across different countries.