The value of regionally focused comparative analysis

Abstract

In this article I propose that “Small N” regionally focused studies have many advantages over “Large N” cross regional studies if we seek detailed analyses that can provide meaningful explanations for political phenomena. Even if the conclusions found in regionally-focused work will be difficult to generalize, in the trade off between intention and generality I choose the former. Cross-regional and regional analysis could certainly inform each other, but having in mind that cross-regional analysis can only establish “thin” relations between certain variables, whose causal relation would require a more detailed and “thick” analysis. As the one provided by regionally-focused studies.