Toward a Multilevel Approach : Transformations of the International System and the Redefinition of Comparative Politics in the Era of New Globalization

Abstract

The current transformations of the international system — marked by the erosion of traditional power hierarchies, the rise of transnational actors, and the reconfiguration of global governance — have challenged the epistemological and methodological foundations of comparative politics. This paper argues for a multilevel analytical approach that integrates domestic, regional, and global dimensions to better understand political dynamics in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on theories of complexity and interdependence, the study explores how comparative politics must evolve beyond state-centric paradigms to capture the hybrid nature of authority, legitimacy, and policy-making in the 21st century. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for rethinking comparative analysis through multidimensional lenses that bridge the gap between international relations and political sociology.