ABSTRACT
This chapter explains a synthesis of new ideas about politics in the period of globalization, and examines them through one lens — namely that of cultural effects. It explains a comparative inquiry into the theme of whether culture matters and, if so, how culture matters in politics. The chapter examines this cultural variety more closely and probing its political implications for decisions and outcomes as it is outlined in cultural analysis. It suggests that, for our perspective, culture may be seen as comprising ethnicity, religion, historical legacy and universal values, and inquires into what roles cultural items play in terms of outcomes in society and politics. During the 1990s culture theory became very topical in political science, reflecting a surge of interest in the politics of ethnicity, religion and civilizations — all of which relate to how people search for identity by adhering to the values of social groups.
