Levente Littvay Knihy

Focusing on the intricate link between corruption and democratic performance, this book addresses critical gaps in previous research by employing a comprehensive analysis of data from 186 countries between 1984 and 2004. It challenges the effectiveness of IMF and World Bank policies that prioritize corruption reduction prior to structural adjustments, suggesting these strategies may be misguided. Aimed at advanced scholars in comparative political economy, the book features insights from experts, including a foreword by Dr. Andrew H. Wedeman and Senator Dr. William P. Avery.

Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling by Bruno Castanho Silva, Constantin Manuel Bosancianu, and Levente Littvay serves as a minimally technical overview of multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) for applied researchers and advanced graduate students in the social sciences. As the first book of its kind, this title is an accessible, hands-on introduction for beginners of the topic. The authors predict a growth in this area, fueled by both data availability and also the availability of new and improved software to run these models. The applied approach, combined with a graphical presentation style and minimal reliance on complex matrix algebra guarantee that this volume will be useful to social science graduate students wanting to utilize such models.

Populism has long been an important topic of study for political scientists studying other regions. With clear definitions, data, and methods for its measurement among politicians and voters, and a study of its impact on democracy around the globe, this element brings techniques to help scholars and policymakers place current events in perspective.