THE ROLE OF THEORY IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS - A SYMPOSIUM

The Center of International Studies at Princeton University organized a symposium during 1993-94 on the role of theory, in comparative polit ics. Presented here is an edited and condensed version of the proceedi ngs. In light of recent challenges posed by both rational choice and p ostmodern cultural approaches, the symposium helped elucidate the meri ts of competing theoretical approaches. A group of distinguished schol ars presented a variety of views on the subject. In spite of recent in tellectual developments, a diverse group of symposium participants adh ered to a loosely defined ''core,'' or to what one participant charact erized as the ''eclectic center'' of comparative politics.