If you are unfamiliar with a topic, scholarly encyclopedias can be a useful starting point for gathering background information. They can also provide comprehensive overviews of the current state of scholarly activity in an area, and often highlight key readings and prominent researchers in a field.
Oxford Bibliographies: Political Science
International Encyclopedia of Political Science by 
International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Routledge Encyclopedia of PhilosophyStanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyCanadian EncyclopediaCan't find what you're looking for? Need help with your research?
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