Chair of Comparative Politics (Prof. Dr. Sandra Eckert)

The Chair of Comparative Politics is dedicated to the comparative study of political structures and processes within and across countries. At different levels of government (local, national, supranational and international level), we study how institutional contexts and conditions that affect political processes and outcomes.

Our research focuses on governance in the European multi-level system, European integration, policy analysis and the changing political process in the member states of the European Union. Our research has a special focus is on environmental issues, studying dynamics at all levels. Furthermore, we are interested in democratization processes examining the transitional states in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our seminars and courses introduce students to a comparative perspective on institutions and politics, covering a broad variety of topics and regions. We aim to provide teaching which closely integrates empirical research, and we encourage and support students to develop their own research projects for term papers and BA/MA theses. Methodologically, we are committed to a pluralistic approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative methods.