ABSTRACT
Comparative area studies (CAS) endeavours to create a bridge between classic area studies and what is called systematic disciplines – perhaps foremost one between area studies and comparative politics. The constitutive elements of CAS are context sensitivity/expertise that entails giving attention to history, culture, and regional factors, and an explicitly systematic and empirical comparative approach. Comparative politics is – despite an occasional break – very strongly dominated by a focus on the transatlantic space, essentially Europe and North America. This occidental focus creates the risk of drawing systematically false conclusions about global principles and trends. CAS, unlike classic area studies, foregrounds comparative research strategies because even the uniqueness or specificity of individual cases can only be identified through comparison. Three distinguishable forms of comparison are inspired by methodologies developed in social sciences: cross-regional comparison, intraregional comparison, and interregional comparison. CAS is also based on the understanding that concepts, analytical frameworks, and methodological toolboxes from different disciplines should work together.
