Introduction to Political Psychology

This fifth edition of Introduction to Political Psychology 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.

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:

• Detailed coverage of political polarization, and the psychology behind it;
• 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;
• A robust suite of timesaving support material.

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.

Martha L. Cottam is Professor Emeritus of Political Science in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University, USA. She specializes in political psychology, international politics, and intercommunal conflict. She has published books and articles on U.S. foreign policy, decision making, nationalism, and Latin American politics. She received her Ph.D. from UCLA.

Elena Mastors is a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, USA. She was an academic administrator for over a decade and also served as an associate professor in the National Decision Making Department of the Naval War College. She has held various senior intelligence and policy positions in the Department of Defense. She specializes in the political psychology of violence.

Thomas Preston is Professor of Political Science in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University, USA. He specializes in political psychology, leadership analysis, and international politics. He has written numerous books and articles on presidential leadership, weapons of mass destruction, and American foreign policy. He received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.

Joe W. Huseby is a Political Science faculty at Spokane Colleges, USA, where he teaches classes on global poverty. climate change, democracy, and polarization. He has conducted field research for non-profit organizations and the US government in Africa, the Middle East, and Africa, and has worked on human rights and environmental causes in those regions. He earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University.