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NewsNight Minnesota | Political Science Discussion | Season 2001 | Episode 134

The URL provided, "https://www.pbs.org/video/political-science-discussion-8625/", does not lead to an existing or accessible video or content on the PBS website. As such, I am unable to provide a summary of the content from that specific URL. However, to fulfill the request for an extensive summary, I will provide a detailed discussion on the topic of political science, which could be similar to what might be found in a PBS video on the subject.

Political science is a social science discipline that deals with systems of governance, and the analysis of political activities, political thoughts, and political behavior. It delves into the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior. Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

One of the key areas within political science is the study of political theory, which examines the ideas and values that shape political systems and behavior. Political theorists analyze the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx, among others, to understand the foundations of political thought. They explore concepts such as justice, liberty, equality, democracy, and power, and how these concepts have evolved over time and are applied in different political contexts.

Another significant area is comparative politics, which involves the systematic study and comparison of the world's political systems. Comparative political scientists look at different countries and their political institutions, processes, and policies to understand how they function and how they differ. They might compare the presidential system of the United States with the parliamentary system of the United Kingdom, or analyze the differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes.

International relations is another crucial field within political science, focusing on the relationships between countries and the roles of international organizations, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations. Scholars in this field study topics such as diplomacy, international law, war and peace, global trade, and human rights. They seek to understand the causes of conflict and cooperation among nations and the impact of globalization on international politics.

Public policy and administration is a field that examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of government policies. Political scientists in this area study how policies are made, who influences them, and how they are carried out. They might focus on specific policy areas such as health care, education, environmental protection, or social welfare, and analyze the effectiveness of different policy approaches.

Political behavior is another important area of study, which looks at how individuals and groups engage in politics. This includes voting behavior, political participation, public opinion, and political socialization. Political scientists in this field use surveys, experiments, and other research methods to understand why people vote the way they do, what motivates them to participate in politics, and how their political attitudes are formed and changed.

The study of political science also involves the use of various research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative methods involve the use of statistical analysis to test hypotheses and draw conclusions from data. Qualitative methods, on the other hand, involve the in-depth study of specific cases or events, often through interviews, observations, and the analysis of texts and documents.

Political science is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on insights from economics, sociology, history, psychology, and other disciplines. It is also a field that is constantly evolving, as new political phenomena emerge and new theories and methods are developed to understand them. For example, the rise of social media and its impact on politics has become a major area of research in recent years, as has the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism.

In addition to its academic importance, political science has practical applications in many areas. Political scientists often work as policy analysts, consultants, or researchers for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. They may also work in journalism, education, or international development. Their expertise is valuable in helping to shape public policy, inform public debate, and promote good governance.

In conclusion, political science is a rich and diverse field that offers valuable insights into the workings of political systems and the behavior of political actors. It is a field that is essential for understanding the world around us and for addressing the many challenges facing societies today. While I was unable to summarize the specific content from the provided URL, this discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas and importance of political science, which could be similar to what might be found in a PBS video on the subject.

Read the Full PBS Article at:
[ https://www.pbs.org/video/political-science-discussion-8625/ ]