cps final

Question 1

consolidated democracies

Answer 1

Definition: Mature democracies with stable institutions and widespread public support for the democratic process.
Author: Linz & Stepan
Example: United States, Germany (These countries exemplify consolidated democracies due to their stable democratic institutions and widespread public support, indicating a mature and well-established democratic system.)
Significance: Indicates a high level of democratic stability and functioning institutions.

Question 2

dependency theory

Answer 2

Definition: the underdevelopment of certain countries is a result of their dependence on more developed nations (Poor countries rely on rich for everything, raw materials depreciate which leads to a decline in the terms of trade, the periphery gets exploited while the core benefits, Because poor countries started out dependent on the rich, they were never able to develop their own institutions)
Author: Frank
Example: Latin American countries in relation to the United States (Latin American countries illustrate dependency theory as they experience underdevelopment linked to their economic dependence on more developed nations, such as the United States.)
Significance: Challenges traditional development theories and emphasizes global economic relations.

Question 3

competitive authoritarianism

Answer 3

Definition: A form of hybrid regime where elections exist but are heavily skewed in favor of the ruling party.
Authors: Levitsky & Way
Example: Russia under Putin (Russia under Putin showcases competitive authoritarianism, where elections exist but are heavily manipulated to favor the ruling party, demonstrating a blend of democratic and authoritarian elements)
Significance: Illustrates the manipulation of democratic elements to maintain authoritarian control.

Question 4

personal rule

Answer 4

Definition: A form of governance where a single leader holds significant power, often without strong institutional checks.
Authors: Jackson & Rosberg
Example: Vladimir Putin has been in power for an extended period, serving as both President and Prime Minister, consolidating authority in his hands, and has diminished institutional checks and balances, with control over the media and political opposition.
Significance: Highlights concentration of power in an individual rather than institutions.

Question 5

invisible hand

Answer 5

Definition: individuals acting in their own self interest are best at making choices that benefit society
Author: Smith
Example: illustrated in a free-market economy where individual pursuit of self-interest inadvertently contributes to the overall economic well-being. For instance, entrepreneurs seeking profit inadvertently contribute to economic growth
Significance: Fundamental idea in classical economics and capitalism & emphasizes the benefits of free-market competition.

Question 6

social revolution

Answer 6

Definition: A profound and often rapid social change involving the restructuring of societal institutions.
Author: Skocpol
Example: The French Revolution (The French Revolution serves as an example of a social revolution, illustrating profound and rapid social change involving the restructuring of societal institutions.)
Significance: Studies the causes and dynamics of large-scale societal transformations.

Question 7

tipping game

Answer 7

Definition: A model that examines the dynamics of collective action and when it reaches a critical point.
Author: Laitin
Example: Political protests reaching a point where widespread participation occurs (#MeToo movement)
Significance: Helps understand the dynamics of social movements and political change.

Question 8

kohli forms of govt.

Answer 8

• Neopatrimonial States (Nigeria)
• Fragmented-Multiclass States (India)
• Cohesive-Capitalist States (South Korea)
  Definition: Cohesive-capitalist states have cohesive politics, equating rapid economic growth with national security. They establish identifiable links with major economic groups, forming alliances with producer or capitalist groups, exerting strong control over labor, and employing a competent bureaucracy.
  Examples: South Korea, Brazil (South Korea and Brazil showcase cohesive-capitalist states where strong political commitment to rapid economic growth, alliances with major economic groups, and competent bureaucracies create conditions favorable for industrialization, emphasizing the prioritization of economic goals for national security.)
  Significance: These states prioritize economic growth and create conditions conducive to industrialization through effective state intervention and political commitment to growth.

Question 9

consociational democracy

Answer 9

Definition: A model of democracy that emphasizes power-sharing among different ethnic or religious groups.
Author: Lijphart
Example: Lebanon (Lebanon exemplifies the consociational democracy model, emphasizing power-sharing among different ethnic or religious groups, which is crucial for governance in ethnically or religiously diverse societies.)
Significance: Addresses governance in ethnically or religiously diverse societies.

Question 10

CCTs/UCTs

Answer 10

Definition: Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs) are social welfare programs providing cash to individuals or families under certain conditions or unconditionally.
Authors: Tepperman or McCarthy
Example: Brazil’s Bolsa Família (CCT) or Universal Basic Income (UCT) (Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs), such as Brazil’s Bolsa Família or Universal Basic Income, are social welfare programs addressing poverty and incentivizing specific behaviors.)
Significance: Addresses poverty and incentivizes specific behaviors.

Question 11

Important substitution Industrialization (ISI)

Answer 11

Definition: ISI is an economic policy promoting the development of domestic industries to replace imported goods.
Author: Frank (dependency theorist)
Example: Many Latin American countries in the mid-20th century, such as Brazil and Argentina, pursued ISI policies by implementing protective tariffs and subsidies to promote domestic industries over imports.
Significance: ISI aimed at fostering economic independence and reducing dependency on global powers.

Question 12

types of social welfare

Answer 12

Definition: Social welfare typologies classify welfare states into categories based on their approaches to social policies.
Authors: Esping-Andersen
Example: The Nordic welfare model, exemplified by Sweden(social-democratic), emphasizes universal social programs, including healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits, aiming for comprehensive social equality.
Significance: It provides a framework to analyze and compare the effectiveness and philosophy of different welfare state models.

Question 13

relative deprivation

Answer 13

Definition: why people rebel: the perceived gap between one’s expectations and the resources or opportunities available compared to others in society.
Author: Gurr
Example: The Arab Spring uprisings (2010-2011) were driven, in part, by a sense of relative deprivation where populations perceived a large gap between their expectations and the actual quality of life, leading to mass protests.
Significance: Gurr’s concept helps understand the psychological factors contributing to social and political unrest.

Question 14

preference falsification

Answer 14

Definition: Individuals publicly express opinions that differ from their true beliefs due to social pressures or fear.
Author: Kuran
Example: During the Soviet era, individuals might publicly express support for the regime, hiding their true dissatisfaction due to fear of persecution. Preference falsification played a role in maintaining the appearance of widespread support.
Significance: Explains how dissent may be underestimated, leading to sudden and unexpected collective actions.

Question 15

4 possible views on strife/civil uprising

Answer 15

• micro-physiological (Gurr)
  what is the mentality
  Looks more inside people- what motivates them to take up arms beyond the macro-political factors?
  People take up arms when they experience relative deprivation
  Can be mediated by intervening social conditions
• macro-political (Huntington)
  Huntington- explaining the 1960s violence and instability in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
  The likelihood of revolution increases when economic development outpaces political development
  Focused on society
• state-centered (Skocpol)
  Structural factors converge to produce social revolutions
  Crisis of the state
  Class conflict (both the urban proletariat and the rural peasants)
  Only applies to total upheaval and sweeping social change
• agent-centered (Walter)
  What motivates people to take up arms?
  Walter- bargaining failures

Question 16

post-structuralism

Answer 16

Definition: A movement challenging traditional notions of identity, power, and knowledge, emphasizing the fluid and contextual nature of these concepts.
Author: Yashar
Example: LGBTQ+ activism & new laws like same-sex marriage, which leads to an activation of identity more openly
Significance: Influences various fields, including philosophy, sociology, and literature regarding the construction and deconstruction of identity.

Question 17

cross-cutting

Answer 17

Definition: Social or political identities that do not align with each other, reducing the potential for conflict.
Author: Htun
Example: Singapore, a multicultural society, various ethnic and religious groups coexist, including Chinese, Malays, Indians, and others. Individuals in Singapore may identify strongly with their ethnic or religious community but have diverse political affiliations.
Significance: Promotes social cohesion and reduces identity-based tensions

Question 18

quotas

Answer 18

Definition: policies aiming to address historical or systemic inequalities and ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups
Author: Htun
Example: Rwanda there’s a 30% rule for women to hold parliamentary seats, designed to cut across gender lines, & addresses historical imbalances
Singificance: By mandating representation for specific groups, these policies aim to create a more inclusive political environment.

Question 19

reservation

Answer 19

Defintion: specific allocations or set-asides in political institutions for certain groups, often based on ethnicity or other social categories
Author: Htun
Example: Croatia; implemented a system of reserved seats in its parliament for national minorities as a direct consequence of ethnic conflict
Significance: reservations seek to address historical injustices and provide a platform for marginalized communities to have a voice in governance

Question 20

state corporatism

Answer 20

Definition: A political system where the state plays a central role in organizing and representing societal interests.
Author: Yashar
Example: Corporatist policies in fascist Italy. (State corporatism, as studied by Diana Yashar, involves a political system where the state plays a central role in organizing and representing societal interests, as seen in corporatist policies in fascist Italy.)
Significance: Examines the relationship between the state and interest groups.

Question 21

modernization theory

Answer 21

Definition: A theory positing that economic development leads to social and political progress, including the development of democratic institutions.
Author: Lipset
Example: The industrialization of Western nations. (suggesting a correlation between economic development and the evolution of democratic institutions.)
Significance: Explores the relationship between economic development and political change.

Question 22

division of labor

Answer 22

Definition: people specialize in what they have a comparative advantage i
Author: Smith
Example: In a car manufacturing plant, the division of labor is evident as different workers specialize in specific tasks, contributing to increased efficiency and overall productivity.
Significance: Smith argued that the division of labor is crucial for economic advancement and productivity.

Question 25

essay: is the world done developing?

Answer 25

• thesis
  While Fukuyama’s End of History thesis envisions global convergence, the multifaceted experiences of India and China, as explored in “The Elephant and the Dragon,” reveal a complex interplay between political and economic systems. The essay contends that the dynamics of modernization, dependency, and cultural differences challenge the idea of a universal homogenous society.
• Fukuyama
  The vision of a neoeconomic world and a universal homogenous society.
  argues that with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the global spread of liberal democracy, all competing ideologies have been rendered obsolete. He contends that liberal democracy, with its emphasis on individual freedoms, market capitalism, and representative governance, represents the highest form of political development. According to Fukuyama, the world is destined to evolve into a universal homogenous society, characterized by the convergence of political and economic systems.
• Huntington
  In contrast to Fukuyama’s optimistic outlook, Samuel Huntington introduces the idea of the “Clash of Civilizations.” Huntington contends that variations among societies, rooted in cultural and civilizational differences, will continue to be a key dividing line. He challenges the notion that all nations will adopt a universal political and economic model, asserting that civilizations may choose divergent paths based on cultural distinctiveness.
• Frank: Dependency Theory
  Drawing insights from dependency theory, as articulated by Andre Gunder Frank, this essay explores how certain regions, particularly in Latin America, have experienced underdevelopment due to economic dependence on more advanced nations. Frank’s perspective introduces a critical dimension, suggesting that the world’s political development is far from uniform. Instead, it is shaped by historical relationships, economic structures, and the dynamics of power.
• elephant and the dragon
  Robyn Meredith’s book provides a detailed account of India and China’s economic and political journeys in the modern era. India, often characterized as the “Elephant,” and China, referred to as the “Dragon,” have pursued distinctive paths of development that challenge the notion of a universal political endpoint.
  Examining the trajectories of India and China, we witness elements of modernization theory in action. Both nations have undergone significant economic transformations, embracing aspects of capitalism, urbanization, and technological advancement. However, their political systems have not conformed to a uniform model, showcasing the diversities in their approaches.
  While India upholds a democratic model, China embraces a more authoritarian approach. However, both nations share a commitment to economic growth, challenging the simplistic dichotomy of democracy versus autocracy.
  India and China, with their unique trajectories, question the universality of a singular political endpoint.
  The “End of History” may be an ongoing journey with multiple narratives, shaped by the intricate interplay of culture, history, and socio-political dynamics.
• conclusion
  the “End of History” thesis put forth by Fukuyama is a compelling perspective, yet it encounters challenges when juxtaposed with alternative viewpoints. Huntington’s emphasis on civilizational differences and Frank’s dependency theory highlight the complexities that shape political development. By examining the experiences of India and China, it becomes evident that political evolution is diverse and contingent on a myriad of factors. The world may not have reached a conclusive endpoint, but rather, it continues to evolve along diverse and dynamic trajectories, defying a singular narrative of political development.

Question 26

essay: does economic development impact political development

Answer 26

• thesis
  while economic development is undeniably intertwined with political progress, the diversity of global experiences, particularly in India and China, challenges simplistic narratives, emphasizing the need for nuanced analyses and adaptable frameworks to comprehend the intricate relationship between economic and political development
• Sen
  Sen’s capability approach asserts that economic development is a means to an end – the end being the enhancement of individuals’ capabilities and freedoms. Sen contends that political development is an integral part of achieving substantive freedoms. economic advancements are not an end in themselves but a means to empower individuals politically by providing them with the necessary capabilities. “The Elephant and the Dragon” illustrates Sen’s perspective by depicting instances in India and China where economic growth has not uniformly translated into political freedoms, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development.
• Naim
  Naím introduces the concept of “Mafia Capitalism,” emphasizing that rapid economic development can lead to political distortions. He argues that the concentration of economic power can result in the capture of political institutions by elites, undermining the development of genuine democratic governance. “The Elephant and the Dragon” offers insights into how economic growth in China has been accompanied by challenges related to political openness and accountability.
• elephant and the dragon
  While economic development is evident in both nations, the political paths they have chosen diverge significantly. India’s democratic experiment contrasts with China’s authoritarian capitalism, offering real-world examples of how economic success does not uniformly translate into a particular political model
• Huntington
  Huntington’s perspective, as articulated in “Political Order in Changing Societies,” warns of potential instability when economic and political development are out of sync. Huntington argues that rapid economic development can outpace the evolution of political institutions, leading to instability. “The Elephant and the Dragon” shows how the rapid economic rise of India and China is accompanied by political challenges and internal tensions.
• Fukuyama
  “End of History” thesis posits that liberal democracy represents the endpoint of human ideological evolution. Fukuyama contends that economic development contributes to the emergence of stable democratic institutions. “The Elephant and the Dragon” challenges Fukuyama’s hypothesis, showcasing how China’s economic success does not necessarily lead to a Western-style liberal democracy, challenging the universality of this political model.
• conclusion
  the relationship between economic and political development is complex
  authors collectively say that a comprehensive understanding of this relationship necessitates a multidimensional analysis

Question 27

essay: is democracy or autocracy more suited for eocnomic growth?

Answer 27

• thesis
  While Fukuyama champions democracy’s role in fostering economic progress, Sen, Naím, and Huntington introduce complexities, urging a comprehensive understanding that transcends simplistic correlations.
• Fukuyama (pro-democracy)
  argues that liberal democracies provide the optimal environment for economic growth due to their inherent characteristics such as political stability, protection of property rights, and the fostering of innovation through pluralism.
• Sen
  while Sen doesn’t explicitly argue for democracy over autocracy, his Capability Approach emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms and capabilities, which aligns with democratic values.
  introduces a broader perspective, emphasizing that the focus should not merely be on economic growth but on enhancing the capabilities and freedoms of individuals. He advocates for a holistic evaluation of development that includes social and political dimensions.
• Naim (nuanced)
  concern lies in the dangers of crony capitalism, regardless of the political system. He suggests that the entanglement of political and economic elites can hinder fair competition, innovation, and overall economic efficiency.
• The Elephant and the Dragon (nuanced)
  The book, through the cases of India and China, demonstrates that the relationship between political systems and economic growth is complex. Both countries have achieved significant economic development, but their political structures differ markedly. China’s one-party system has allowed for rapid decision-making and implementation of economic policies, while India’s democracy has fostered pluralism and inclusivity. The cases emphasize that success is contingent on adaptive governance and the ability to leverage the strengths of each political system.
• conclusion
  the importance of adaptive governance, capabilities, and political stability
  From the cases of India and China presented in “The Elephant and the Dragon,” it becomes evident that both democracies and autocracies can achieve significant economic development. China’s one-party system allows for rapid decision-making, facilitating swift policy implementation, while India’s democracy fosters pluralism and inclusivity. Ultimately, the question of which political system is more suited for economic growth lacks a one-size-fits-all answer, and success depends on the adaptive governance and leveraging of each system’s strengths in a specific context.