Studying one country in great detail can provide a deep understanding of the political, economic, and social forces that shape that country. This can be valuable for understanding how these forces interact and produce specific outcomes. For example, a political scientist who studies the United States in great detail might be able to better understand the factors that contributed to the rise of Donald Trump or the decline of the American middle class.

Studying many countries can provide a broader perspective on the range of political systems and practices that exist in the world. This can be valuable for understanding how different countries have responded to similar challenges or opportunities. For example, a political scientist who studies the political systems of China, India, and Brazil might be able to better understand the challenges of managing rapid economic growth and urbanization.

The best approach for a political scientist will depend on the specific research question being asked. If the goal is to understand the political dynamics of a particular country, then studying that country in great detail is likely to be the best approach. However, if the goal is to understand how different political systems work or how countries respond to common challenges, then studying many countries is likely to be more beneficial.

In addition to the research question, the political scientist’s own interests and expertise will also play a role in determining the best approach. If the political scientist is particularly interested in a particular country or region, then they may be more inclined to focus their research on that area. However, if the political scientist is interested in a broader range of political systems, then they may be more interested in studying many countries.

Ultimately, the best approach for a political scientist is the one that allows them to answer their research question in the most rigorous and informative way possible.

Here are some additional factors that a political scientist might consider when deciding whether to study one country or many countries:

• The availability of data: Some countries are more open than others when it comes to sharing data. This can make it more difficult to study some countries in great detail.
• The time and resources available: Studying one country in great detail can be a very time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavor. If the political scientist does not have the time or resources to do this, then they may need to focus on studying a smaller number of countries.
• The political scientist’s own skills and abilities: Some political scientists are better at conducting in-depth research on a single country, while others are better at conducting comparative research on multiple countries. The political scientist should choose the approach that best matches their own skills and abilities.