Politics is about power—how it is exercised, by whom, and to what effect. But power does not reside only in states or governments; it operates across many spheres of society, from global markets and digital platforms to social movements and nationalist ideologies. Drawing on case studies from the United States, Japan, India, and more, we will examine how sociological theories help us make sense of contemporary political phenomena. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with theoretical tools and empirical insights to critically analyze politics in a global context.