Midterm 1 - Overarching Themes/Questions Flashcards
How is the Method of Agreement (MDSD) different from the Method of Difference (MSSD)? Explain by giving an example of a research question that would be answered well by using each of the methods, and apply these methods.
The Method of Agreement (MDSD) is different from the Method of Difference (MSSD) in a couple of ways. MDSD is used to compare and contrast states with different systems and similar outcomes, while MSSD is used to compare and contrast states with similar systems and different outcomes. MDSD is often used to find what countries have in common and find the cause of the similar outcomes.
Topic: Civil War
Using MDSD, you would find x amount of states that had similar systems/factors, such as ehtnic diversity, religious diversity, terrain, and poverty. Then look at whether or not these states had a civil war.
Using MSSD, you would find x amount of states that have had a civil war, but different systems. You could focus on different factors - such as ethnic diversity, religious diversity, terrain, and poverty - to figure out what caused the civil war.
What are some problems with comparative research? List and explain these problems. Then, give a sample research question, and a hypothesis to answer your question. Which of these problems you listed will you run into in your research to answer this question? (Think of at least two)
With comparative research, many problems can arise. Some problems are controlling many variables, controlling for multicausality, limited number of cases to research, limited access to information from cases, uneven research across cases and regions, cases selected with bias, and endogeneity. Endogeneity is when either variable may be cause or effect. Selection bias often arises when people select their cases on the basis of effect rather than cause.
How do we classify social science research methods? Explain. Does one have some advantages over the other? Why or why not?
The different social science research methods can be classified as quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is used to make generalizations about the world and not learn about a specific country. It emphasizes breadth over depth. Qualitative research is used to focus on a country’s history, language, and culture. It emphasizes depth over breadth. They each have their own advantages for different types of research, but it depends on the goal of the study. One might choose to do qualitative research if they are researching Argentinian politics.
What is the difference between state scope and state strength? Explain. Can countries have high state strength and high state scope?
State strength refers to the abilities and capacity a state can carry out to execute policies, provide defense, control corruption and bribery, enforce laws, administer public business, and maintain transparency with the public. State scope refers to the extent/range a state can carry out these abilities. Countries can have both high state strength and state scope. For example, France is one that has both high state strength and state scope.
What is the difference between state scope and state strength? Explain. Can countries have high state strength and high state scope?
State strength refers to the abilities and capacity a state can carry out to execute policies, provide defense, control corruption and bribery, enforce laws, administer public business, and maintain transparency with the public. State scope refers to the extent/range a state can carry out these abilities. Countries can have both high state strength and state scope. For example, France is one that has both high state strength and state scope.
How is the modern international state system different from medieval times in terms of the centralization of authority? Explain. What is the starting point of the modern international state system, and what did it bring?
The modern international state system is different from medieval times in terms of the centralization of authority in that the government is in direct control of the people, and it is recognized that territory is bound by authority. The starting point of the modern international state system was the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, leading to the consolidation of European powers, and a more consolidated, unified, centralized, sovereign government. The state and church weren’t separated before
How is the modern international state system different from medieval times in terms of the centralization of authority? Explain. What is the starting point of the modern international state system, and what did it bring?
The modern international state system is different from medieval times in terms of the centralization of authority in that the government is in direct control of the people, and it is recognized that territory is bound by authority. The starting point of the modern international state system was the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, leading to the consolidation of European powers, and a more consolidated, unified, centralized, sovereign government. The state and church weren’t separated before
Explain the differences between the concepts of state, government, and regime. Give some examples.
State: A state is a political organization that maintains a monopoly of force over its given territory
Government: leadership or elite who run the state and make policies
Regime: fundamental rules and norms of politics that shape long term goals regarding individuals freedom and equality where powers should reside and use of that power
What are the fundamental differences between unitary and federal systems? Why are some countries federal? (Both in slides and in the book/reading). List some country examples.
The fundamental differences between unitary and federal systems is the allocation of power. In unitary systems power remains with the central government, though it can be dispersed to subnational governments but it’s not a constitutional distinction. Examples of unitary states include Netherlands, France, Turkey, Sweden, UK, Peru, Colombia, and Japan. In federal systems, power is shared between the central and subnational governments and it is a constitutional distinction. Examples of federal states include the US, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Brazil. Some countries are federal because they are larger (though not all federal countries are large countries), cultural and ethnic differences, communities preserving an identity, or there is an external threat.
Do unitary systems have any type of decentralized government? If so, how? (Hint: Think about the UK). give some country examples. How does asymmetric federalism fit into this picture? (Think of Spain).
Unitary systems can have some type of decentralized government through decentralization. They can create subnational governments, similar to those in federal systems, though they are not constitutionally recognized. Some examples are the UK and France. Asymmetric federalism fits into this in that not all regions/substates are treated equally. Some substates may be treated more fairly if they bring in more wealth, speak a certain language, or have a certain demographic.
How is the federalism in the US different from the federalism in Germany? (Comparison slide)
The federalism in the US (dual federalism) is different from the federalism in Germany (cooperative federalism) in a few ways. In dual federalism the national and state governments operate independently, each tier acts autonomously, they are linked through constitutional compact, the federal government collects taxes, pays debts, provides defense, and welfare. In cooperative federalism there is more collaboration between levels - overall leadership of central government, the national-state government work as partners, solidarity and subsidiarity, aims to ensure social peace by giving share in decision making.
What is the constructivist view of the nation? Explain this concept, focusing on the important concept and the scholar mentioned.
The constructivist view of the nation is a concept created by Benedict Anderson that essentially says that even though you won’t get to know every member in your nation, there is a sense of community. This was largely because of print culture.
What is the constructivist view of the nation? Explain this concept, focusing on the important concept and the scholar mentioned.
The constructivist view of the nation is a concept created by Benedict Anderson that essentially says that even though you won’t get to know every member in your nation, there is a sense of community. This was largely because of print culture.
What are the different types of nationalist movements? Can one type of nationalism turn to another type of nationalism?
There are five different types of nationalism. The first is nation building in already created states - states develop national identities to become more legitimate. The second is xenophobic nationalism in nation-states, where people want to exclude foreign individuals from the territory of the state. Then there’s irredentism, which seeks to create a greater nation that exists beyond the limits of an already existing political unit. Nationalism seeking more autonomy is when people seek to reform the political system to give more autonomy to a national minority. And lastly, nationalism seeking independence is when people seek independence for a national minority locked within another nation state. One type of nationalism can turn into another type of nationalism. For example, nation building or irredentism can turn into xenophobia. Or nationalism seeking autonomy can turn into nationalism seeking independence.
