1. Comparative Politics Flashcards
(187 cards)
1
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What is the Political Economy approach in comparative politics?
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The Political Economy approach in comparative politics examines the relationship between politics and economics, focusing on how political institutions and processes influence economic policies and outcomes, and vice versa.
2
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What are the limitations of comparative political analysis?
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The limitations of comparative political analysis include difficulties in establishing causal relationships, the challenge of controlling for variables across different contexts, and the potential for bias in selecting cases for comparison.
3
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What is the significance of the Comparative method in political analysis?
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The significance of the Comparative method in political analysis lies in its ability to identify patterns, test theories, and provide insights into the functioning of political systems by comparing different political entities.
4
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What is the changing nature of Comparative Politics?
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The changing nature of Comparative Politics reflects the evolving political landscape, including globalization, the rise of new political movements, and the increasing importance of non-state actors in political analysis.
5
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What is the Political Sociological approach in comparative politics?
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The Political Sociological approach in comparative politics focuses on the interplay between society and politics, examining how social structures, cultural norms, and group identities shape political behavior and institutions.
6
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What is Conflict Resolution in the context of comparative politics?
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Conflict Resolution refers to the study of conflict management in regions like Northern Ireland and the Basque Country, providing lessons in peace-building and demonstrating how different approaches can lead to varying outcomes.
7
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What does the Global Perspective in comparative politics entail?
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The Global Perspective involves comparing climate policies of different countries, such as Sweden’s green initiatives versus the challenges faced by oil-dependent nations, to gain insights into global environmental issues.
8
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How does Academic Research contribute to comparative politics?
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Academic Research in comparative politics involves exploring topics like electoral systems and studying how different systems impact representation, utilizing data from various countries for analysis.
9
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What is the definition of Comparative Politics according to Arend Lijphart?
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Arend Lijphart defines comparative politics as the empirical, scientific study of countries and their mutual relations through cross-national comparisons.
10
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What does David Apter say about the search in Comparative Politics?
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David Apter describes comparative politics as the search for patterns, regularities, and systematic relationships in the analysis of political systems.
11
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What is the empirical approach in Comparative Politics?
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The empirical approach in Comparative Politics relies on data, evidence, and observations, utilizing a range of qualitative and quantitative methods for analysis.
12
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Why is Contextual Analysis important in Comparative Politics?
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Contextual Analysis is important because it emphasizes the need to consider the unique historical, cultural, and social contexts of each country to understand political dynamics effectively.
13
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What is the significance of theory development and testing in comparative politics?
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Comparative politics contributes to theory development and testing by analyzing political phenomena across diverse settings, generating empirical evidence to assess the validity and generalizability of theories.
14
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How do comparative analyses inform policy implications in governance?
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Comparative analyses offer insights into policy effectiveness and governance structures, allowing policymakers to learn from other countries’ experiences and informing evidence-based policymaking.
15
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What role does comparative politics play in understanding political change?
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Comparative politics is instrumental in understanding political change by analyzing transitions from authoritarianism to democracy and the impact of globalization, uncovering factors driving transformations.
16
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How does contextual understanding enhance comparative analysis?
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Contextual understanding emphasizes the influence of historical, cultural, and institutional contexts on political phenomena, promoting accurate interpretations in comparative analysis.
17
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What is the importance of institutional design and functionality in comparative politics?
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Comparative politics evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems, informing discussions about institutional reforms or innovations.
18
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How does comparative politics contribute to prediction and forecasting?
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Comparative politics enhances the ability to anticipate potential political outcomes by leveraging historical and cross-national patterns.
19
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What is the role of policy transfer and lesson drawing in comparative politics?
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Policy transfer facilitates policymakers in drawing lessons from other countries, offering insights into successful and failed policies, fostering cross-national learning.
20
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What is Cross-Cultural Understanding in comparative politics?
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Cross-Cultural Understanding fosters exploration and appreciation of diverse political systems, essential for diplomats, international relations specialists, and policymakers in a globalized world.
21
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What does Holistic Analysis encourage in the study of political phenomena?
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Holistic Analysis encourages scholars to consider multiple factors, contexts, and perspectives for a comprehensive understanding of political dynamics.
22
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What is Cultural Bias in comparative politics?
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Cultural Bias refers to the influence of researchers’ own cultural or political perspectives, which may lead to inaccuracies in cross-country analyses.
23
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What is the impact of Simplification in comparative politics?
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Simplification involves making complex political systems and issues manageable, but it may lead to an oversimplification of realities in different countries.
24
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How does Data Availability affect comparative politics?
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Data Availability is crucial as the quality and availability of data can vary significantly between countries, making accurate comparisons challenging.
25
What are Contextual Differences in comparative politics?
Contextual Differences highlight the challenge of fully capturing the unique historical, cultural, and social contexts of each country in a single analysis.
26
What are the Changing Dynamics in comparative politics?
Changing Dynamics refer to the evolution of political systems and behaviors over time, which comparative politics may struggle to keep up with.
27
What are Ethical Challenges in comparative politics?
Ethical Challenges involve dilemmas when dealing with sensitive issues, such as human rights violations, requiring careful consideration in analysis.
28
What does National Specificity mean in the context of comparative politics?
National Specificity refers to political phenomena that are deeply tied to the specific history and culture of a nation, resisting cross-country comparisons.
29
How has Increased Interconnectedness influenced comparative politics?
Increased Interconnectedness due to globalization affects political dynamics, leading comparative politics to consider global forces influencing domestic politics.
30
What are quantitative and qualitative approaches in comparative politics?
Quantitative and qualitative approaches refer to the balanced use of both qualitative methods and statistical techniques in research, allowing for more rigorous and nuanced comparative studies.
31
What is the focus of institutional analysis in comparative politics?
Institutional analysis emphasizes the study of political institutions and governance structures, exploring how different institutional designs impact political stability, representation, and policy outcomes.
32
How do cultural factors influence political behavior in comparative politics?
Cultural factors, including religion, ethnicity, and language, shape political behavior by influencing political processes and outcomes, such as voting patterns influenced by religious identity.
33
What is the significance of transition studies in comparative politics?
Transition studies focus on the factors contributing to democratic consolidation or breakdown, examining the characteristics of authoritarian regimes and their resilience or collapse.
34
What is the role of regional dynamics in comparative politics?
Regional dynamics involve examining political trends and developments within specific geographic areas, allowing for a deeper understanding of context-specific factors that influence political systems.
35
How has technology impacted political communication and activism?
The advent of digital technologies has transformed political communication, participation, and activism, influencing citizen engagement and shaping political landscapes, as seen in movements like the Arab Spring.
36
What are environmental considerations in comparative politics?
Environmental considerations in comparative politics involve the study of how different political systems address environmental challenges and the role of environmental policies in shaping political agendas, including commitments to international climate agreements and renewable energy strategies.
37
What is the significance of post-colonial and post-socialist studies in comparative politics?
Post-colonial and post-socialist studies in comparative politics examine the legacies of colonialism and socialism, focusing on how these historical experiences influence political structures, identities, and power dynamics in contemporary societies.
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How does comparative politics address human rights?
Comparative politics addresses human rights by exploring how countries adhere to or violate international norms, including the examination of human rights records and the impact of international pressure on countries accused of abuses.
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What is the focus of traditional comparative politics compared to modern comparative politics?
Traditional comparative politics focuses on individual countries or specific regions, while modern comparative politics adopts a global perspective, often considering international factors in its analyses.
40
What are the analysis methods used in modern comparative politics?
Modern comparative politics employs both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, including surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, in contrast to the qualitative case studies and descriptive analysis of traditional comparative politics.
41
What is the philosophical approach in comparative politics?
The philosophical approach examines the fundamental principles and values that underlie political systems and institutions, focusing on moral values and principles rather than just power and interests.
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What are the normative foundations in the philosophical approach to comparative politics?
Normative foundations involve exploring what is considered morally right or just in the organization of societies, such as the philosophical underpinnings of democracy and authoritarianism.
43
How does the philosophical approach address ethical considerations in political decisions?
The philosophical approach analyzes the ethical implications of political decisions and policies, evaluating the morality of actions like war, economic policies, or human rights practices in a comparative context.
44
What role do political philosophy traditions play in the philosophical approach to comparative politics?
Political philosophy traditions, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, or communitarianism, help understand how these ideologies manifest in diverse political systems within the philosophical approach.
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How does the philosophical analysis in comparative politics relate to justice and equality?
Philosophical analysis often centers on concepts of justice and equality, examining how different societies conceptualize and implement justice, fairness, and resource distribution.
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What are the moral foundations of political institutions?
The moral foundations of political institutions involve understanding the legitimacy of governmental authority, the role of the state, and the protection of individual rights from a philosophical standpoint.
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How does human nature influence political organization?
Philosophical perspectives in comparative politics explore whether political systems are designed with an optimistic or pessimistic view of human behavior, impacting political organization.
48
What is critical theory in the context of comparative politics?
Critical theory involves a critical examination of power structures, ideologies, and social institutions to uncover underlying assumptions and sources of inequality.
49
Why is cross-cultural ethics important in political philosophy?
Cross-cultural ethics examines how cultural differences shape moral values and perceptions of political legitimacy, contributing to a deeper understanding of diverse political systems.
50
What does the historical approach in political analysis involve?
The historical approach involves studying historical events, transitions, and influences that have shaped a nation's political institutions, providing insights into contemporary political systems.
51
How does political evolution affect a country's political state?
Political evolution traces a country's transition from different forms of governance, such as monarchy to democracy, and helps understand its current political state and ideologies.
52
What is the impact of key historical events on political institutions?
Key historical events like revolutions and conflicts can dramatically restructure political institutions, ideologies, and power dynamics within a country.
53
What is Comparative Historical Analysis?
Comparative Historical Analysis involves drawing parallels and distinctions between different countries' historical experiences to understand how similar historical events can lead to varying political outcomes.
54
What does the Cultural and Social Dimensions approach explore?
The Cultural and Social Dimensions approach explores the influence of culture and societal elements, such as religion, values, and traditions, on political behavior and institutions throughout history.
55
What is the focus of the Legal-Institutional Approach in comparative politics?
The Legal-Institutional Approach focuses on the examination of legal frameworks, political institutions, and their interactions within different countries, analyzing the impact of laws, constitutions, and institutional structures on political systems.
56
What is the significance of examining legal instruments in the Legal-Institutional Approach?
Examining legal instruments involves a meticulous analysis of a country's legal documents, including its constitution and regulations, to understand their influence on political life, as emphasized by scholars like S.P. Huntington.
57
What does Structural Analysis in the Legal-Institutional Approach entail?
Structural Analysis involves exploring the structural aspects of political institutions, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial bodies, to understand their roles and stability in different political systems.
58
What are Power Prevention Mechanisms in political systems?
Power Prevention Mechanisms are studied to understand how political systems prevent the concentration of power, exemplified by Arend Lijphart's research on consociational democracies that distribute power among different groups.
59
Why is Judicial Independence important in the Legal-Institutional Approach?
Judicial Independence is crucial as it ensures that the judiciary operates free from external pressures, maintaining adherence to legal principles, which is essential for a fair political system.
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What is the role of Policy-Making Processes in the Legal-Institutional Approach?
Policy-Making Processes study how political institutions are involved in creating and implementing policies, highlighting the mechanisms that facilitate collaboration among diverse political parties.
61
What does Comparative Analysis in comparative politics involve?
Comparative Analysis involves contrasting legal and institutional systems across different countries to identify patterns and variations, as emphasized by scholars like Lucian Pye.
62
What is the impact of legal and institutional factors on political stability?
Legal and institutional factors contribute to political stability or instability, as seen in Samuel P. Huntington's work which highlights the relationship between institutional strength and political stability, exemplified by Switzerland's direct democracy and decentralized governance.
63
How do changes in legal and institutional structures influence the political landscape?
Changes in legal and institutional structures can significantly influence the broader political landscape, as illustrated by Theda Skocpol's work on state structures driving transformative shifts, such as in post-apartheid South Africa.
64
What is the significance of the Behavioral Movement in modern comparative politics?
The Behavioral Movement emphasizes the study of behaviors to understand political phenomena, marking a departure from static structural analysis and embracing a dynamic perspective crucial for capturing the changing dynamics of political life.
65
What does the Behavioralism Approach focus on in comparative politics?
The Behavioralism Approach focuses on the systematic and scientific analysis of political behavior, emphasizing empirical research and data-driven analysis rather than merely describing political institutions and structures.
66
What transformation does Sidney Verba highlight in the study of comparative politics?
Sidney Verba highlights a transformation that moves beyond mere description to focus on theoretically relevant problems, extending analysis beyond formal government institutions and including new nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
67
What are Quantitative Methods in the context of behavioralism?
Quantitative Methods refer to research methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis used to collect and analyze data, helping to identify patterns and correlations in political behavior.
68
What is the focus of Behavioralism in political science?
Behavioralism centers on the actions and decisions of individual actors, such as voters, politicians, or interest groups, seeking to uncover the rationality and motivations behind political choices.
69
What is the predictive power of Behavioralism?
The predictive power of Behavioralism refers to its goal of developing theories and models that can predict and explain political outcomes based on the behavior of political actors.
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How does Behavioralism adopt an Interdisciplinary Approach?
Behavioralism adopts an interdisciplinary approach by drawing insights from psychology, sociology, and other fields to provide a holistic understanding of political behavior.
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What is the significance of Comparative Analysis in Behavioralism?
Comparative Analysis in Behavioralism involves engaging in studies of political behavior across different countries to identify commonalities and differences in political behaviors.
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What are some issues with the Behavioral approach?
Issues with the Behavioral approach include over-reliance on quantitative methods, assumptions of rational actors, neglect of cultural influences, overlooking diversity within groups, privacy concerns in research, and challenges in predicting political behavior due to unpredictable factors.
73
What is the Systems Approach in comparative politics?
The Systems Approach is a methodological framework that views political systems as integrated and interconnected entities, influenced by various components that interact to affect the system's behavior and outcomes.
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Who is a key scholar associated with the Systems Approach in comparative politics?
David Easton is a major proponent of the Systems Approach, known for his work 'The Political System' (1953), which significantly shaped this approach.
75
What are the core concepts of the Systems Approach?
The core concepts include the Political System as a set of regularized relationships, Input and Output Functions representing demands and decisions, and the function of political systems as the authoritative allocation of values.
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What is the function of political systems according to the Systems Approach?
The fundamental function of political systems is the authoritative allocation of values, which is based on the Input-Output mechanism that formulates and implements policies and decisions.
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What are some criticisms of the Systems Approach?
Critics argue that the Systems Approach is impractical, ethnocentric, and overly deterministic, failing to account for the complexities and variations in political systems.
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What are some criticisms of the Systems Approach?
Critics argue that the Systems Approach is impractical, ethnocentric, and overly abstract, failing to address class struggles and social inequalities, and maintaining the status quo in capitalist states.
79
What is the structural-functional approach in comparative politics?
The structural-functional approach is a theoretical perspective used to analyze and understand political systems and institutions, focusing on how different parts of a society function together to maintain stability and order.
80
What does the structural-functional approach emphasize regarding political institutions?
The approach emphasizes the functional roles that different political institutions and structures play in a society, examining how they contribute to the functioning of the political system as a whole.
81
How does the structural-functional approach view political systems in terms of stability?
It assumes that political systems strive for equilibrium and stability, suggesting that changes or disruptions in one part of the system can affect the entire system, which will adapt to restore balance.
82
What role do norms and values play in the structural-functional approach?
This approach examines how norms, values, and shared beliefs in a society influence the functioning of political institutions, reflecting and reinforcing the prevailing norms and values of the society.
83
How does the structural-functional approach analyze dysfunctions within political systems?
While it typically focuses on the positive functions of political institutions, it also considers dysfunctions or problems that may arise, aiming to understand how they can lead to instability and conflict and how they can be resolved.
84
Why is the structural-functional approach suitable for cross-cultural comparison in comparative politics?
It allows researchers to assess how different political systems and institutions adapt to various cultural, historical, and social contexts, making it well-suited for comparative analysis.
85
What is the structural-functional approach in political science?
The structural-functional approach is a theoretical perspective that examines socio-political systems by analyzing their structures (institutions) and functions (roles of these institutions).
86
What are the seven key functions of political systems identified by Almond and Powell?
The seven key functions are: political socialization and recruitment, interest articulation and aggregation, political communication, lawmaking, rule adjudication, rule application, and political development.
87
How does the structural-functional approach analyze political systems?
It focuses on macro-level analysis, examining broader structures and institutions within a society rather than individual behaviors or micro-level interactions.
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What is an example of macro-level analysis in the structural-functional approach?
Analyzing the overall societal impact of China's political system, considering its macro-level structures and institutions.
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How does the structural-functional approach view the evolution of political systems?
It looks at how political systems evolve and change over time in response to internal and external pressures, adapting to maintain stability or adjust to new circumstances.
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What criticism does the structural-functional approach face?
It has been criticized for prioritizing stability and equilibrium over social change and for potentially oversimplifying complex political realities.
91
What is the significance of the Political Development approach in comparative politics?
The Political Development approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the structure and function of political systems, asserts that all political systems must perform the same seven functions for comparison, acknowledges the constant evolution of political systems, and considers interactions between political systems and other social components.
92
What criticisms did Theda Skocpol have regarding Almond and Powell's approach?
Theda Skocpol argued that Almond and Powell's approach was too static and did not adequately account for change and conflict, proposing a 'state-centered' approach that focuses on the role of the state in promoting or inhibiting change.
93
How did Peter Evans critique Almond and Powell's approach?
Peter Evans argued that Almond and Powell's approach was too ethnocentric, assuming all political systems should aspire to be like Western democracies, and proposed a 'developmental state' approach focusing on the state's role in promoting economic development in developing countries.
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What is the focus of the Political Development approach in relation to developing nations?
The Political Development approach uniquely focuses on developing nations, moving beyond Eurocentric views and exploring how political institutions adapt to societal changes amid economic development.
95
What role did Lucian Pye play in the Political Development approach?
Lucian W. Pye contributed significantly to the understanding of political development through his work 'Aspects of Political Development,' asserting that political development begins with the establishment of a stable nation-state system.
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What is the Equality Parameter in Pye's theory of political development?
The Equality Parameter emphasizes active mass involvement and universalistic laws that are applicable impartially, going beyond mere participation.
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How does Pye define the Capacity Element in political development?
The Capacity Element relates to the government's performance, requiring both magnitude and efficiency in executing public policy for political development.
98
What does Pye mean by the Differentiation Concept in political systems?
Differentiation refers to specialization without fragmentation, highlighting the integrated functions of diverse components within the political system.
99
How does Pye suggest balancing tradition and modernity in political development?
Pye highlights the need to merge old societal patterns with adaptive capacities to achieve successful political evolution.
100
What is Huntington's view on the relationship between political development and decay?
Huntington posits that political development and decay are interconnected processes, where modernization can lead to both the development and decay of political systems.
101
What role does institutionalization play in Huntington's framework of political development?
Institutionalization is crucial as it establishes political roles and procedures, reducing the likelihood of abuse and promoting the common good.
102
What is the 'development trap' concept introduced by F.W. Riggs?
The 'development trap' refers to a cycle of underdevelopment that some developing countries can become trapped in, often due to fragmented political elites and other factors.
103
What are weak political institutions?
Weak political institutions refer to ineffective systems such as a weak judiciary, ineffective bureaucracy, and fragmented political party systems that hinder the implementation of government policies and accountability in developing countries.
104
What is uneven economic development?
Uneven economic development is a situation where a small elite benefits from economic growth while the majority of the population remains poor, leading to social unrest and political instability in developing countries.
105
What is the Political Modernization Approach?
The Political Modernization Approach seeks to understand political development and change by examining the process of modernization and its impact on political structures, institutions, and behaviors, suggesting that societies evolve through stages from traditional to modern governance.
106
What did Walt Rostow outline in his stages of development?
Walt Rostow outlined stages of development that societies are expected to go through, including traditional, preconditions for take-off, take-off, drive to maturity, and age of high mass consumption, illustrating the transition from agrarian to industrialized nations.
107
How do social structures influence political systems according to Barrington Moore Jr.?
Barrington Moore Jr. argues that different social structures contribute to the emergence of various political systems, indicating that the nature of social relations influences the type of political institutions that develop.
108
What are Rostow's stages of economic growth?
Rostow's stages of economic growth are a model that outlines the process of economic development through five stages: traditional society, preconditions for take-off, take-off, drive to maturity, and age of high mass consumption.
109
How do social changes contribute to political transformation according to Seymour Martin Lipset?
Seymour Martin Lipset argues that certain social conditions, such as increased education and urbanization, are conducive to democracy and play a significant role in political transformation.
110
What is the significance of political institutions in political modernization according to Samuel P. Huntington?
Samuel P. Huntington emphasizes that the transformation of political institutions is crucial for political stability, as traditional forms of governance are expected to give way to more democratic and participatory structures.
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What role do cultural shifts play in political modernization according to Lucian Pye?
Lucian Pye highlights that cultural shifts, including changes in political culture that emphasize individual rights and civic participation, are essential in shaping political behavior and institutions during political modernization.
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What is the end goal of political modernization as viewed by many theorists?
The end goal of political modernization is the establishment of democratic governance, which is considered the most advanced and desirable form of political organization.
113
What does the Marxist perspective on modernization theory emphasize?
The Marxist perspective posits that economy, politics, and culture are closely associated, with economic development being a determinant of a society's political and cultural characteristics.
114
How does the Weberian version of modernization theory differ from the Marxist perspective?
The Weberian version suggests that culture shapes the economy and political life, recognizing the reciprocal relationship between cultural dynamics and political and economic development, contrasting with the Marxist emphasis on economic factors.
115
What is Almond's Classification in political modernization?
Almond's Classification categorizes measures of political modernization into traditional, transitional, and modern categories, providing a framework for assessing the evolving political landscape in societies undergoing change.
116
What are the four stages of modernization according to David Apter?
David Apter delineates four stages of modernization: contact between colonial and local populations, consolidation of empires, demands for independence, and political rather than economic modernization, each representing a phase in the evolution of political systems.
117
What is the criticism of Eurocentrism in the Political Modernization Approach?
The criticism of Eurocentrism in the Political Modernization Approach is that it assumes a linear Western path of development, overlooking diverse historical, cultural, and social contexts in non-Western societies.
118
How does the Political Modernization Approach risk cultural determinism?
The Political Modernization Approach risks cultural determinism by oversimplifying culture's role in political development, treating cultural factors as static and overstating their influence on political outcomes.
119
What is the critique regarding the homogenization of development in the Political Modernization Approach?
The critique regarding the homogenization of development is that the approach assumes all societies will progress toward democracy, neglecting the diverse paths and forms of governance that exist.
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What do critics argue about the ignored social inequalities in the Political Modernization Approach?
Critics argue that the Political Modernization Approach tends to overlook social inequalities within societies, as economic growth does not always lead to equitable resource distribution, creating winners and losers.
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What is the criticism related to the lack of consideration for historical context in the Political Modernization Approach?
The criticism is that the Political Modernization Approach often neglects historical context, failing to consider the impact of legacies, colonial histories, and unique trajectories on a nation's political development.
122
What is the failure to predict authoritarian resilience in the context of the Political Modernization Approach?
The failure to predict authoritarian resilience refers to the criticism that the Political Modernization Approach does not account for the persistence of authoritarian regimes, challenging the assumption that economic growth inevitably leads to democratic governance.
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What do critics say about the inadequate attention to global power dynamics in the Political Modernization Approach?
Critics argue that the Political Modernization Approach does not sufficiently address the impact of global power dynamics, with dependency theorists highlighting how the global economic system can perpetuate underdevelopment.
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What is the concern regarding the overemphasis on formal institutions in the Political Modernization Approach?
The concern is that the Political Modernization Approach overemphasizes formal democratic institutions, neglecting the importance of their quality and the need for a supportive political culture and civil society.
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How do critics view the dynamic nature of culture and values in relation to the Political Modernization Approach?
Critics note that cultural shifts are dynamic and not easily predictable, arguing that assuming certain cultural values will inevitably lead to democracy oversimplifies the complexities of cultural norm evolution.
126
What is Gender Blindness in the context of political modernization?
Gender Blindness refers to the criticism of an approach that overlooks the gender dimensions of political modernization and women's experiences in the development process.
127
What does the Political Culture Approach investigate?
The Political Culture Approach investigates the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and symbols that shape political behavior and institutions within a society.
128
Who are the key scholars associated with the Political Culture Approach?
Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba are key scholars associated with the Political Culture Approach, particularly noted for their 1963 publication 'Civic Culture.'
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What is the significance of the publication 'Civic Culture'?
The publication 'Civic Culture' by Almond and Verba questioned Marxist materialism and structural-functionalism, emphasizing the importance of culture in political analysis.
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What are the three types of political culture identified by Almond and Verba?
The three types of political culture identified are Parochial Political Culture, Subject Political Culture, and Participant Political Culture.
131
What does Seymour Martin Lipset's Formative Events Theory examine?
Seymour Martin Lipset's Formative Events Theory examines the enduring effects of key events during a country's founding on its political culture.
132
What is Louis Hartz's Fragment Theory?
Louis Hartz's Fragment Theory explores the lasting impact of European colonization on countries and societies, particularly in shaping their political culture.
133
What does Roger Inglehart's Post-Materialism Theory investigate?
Roger Inglehart's Post-Materialism Theory investigates the enduring effects of childhood economic and social conditions on political culture.
134
What is the criticism of the Political Culture Approach regarding overemphasis on consensus?
Scholars like David Easton and Seymour Martin Lipset argue that the Political Culture Approach tends to overly emphasize consensus, neglecting societal conflicts and diverse opinions, which may hinder a nuanced understanding of political behavior.
135
What do scholars like Harold D. Lasswell and Robert Dahl critique about the Political Culture Approach?
They critique the approach for cultural determinism, attributing political behaviors solely to cultural factors, which may downplay the influence of structural and economic factors in shaping political dynamics.
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What is a key criticism of the Political Culture Approach related to its static nature?
The approach is criticized for viewing political cultures as enduring over time, which might not adequately capture the dynamic nature of societies and their potential for cultural change in response to external influences.
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How do scholars like Clifford Geertz and Benedict Anderson view the risk of the Political Culture Approach?
They highlight the risk of homogenizing diverse societies, suggesting that the approach may oversimplify the multicultural and pluralistic nature of modern societies, overlooking the complexities of diverse political landscapes.
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What do critics like Theda Skocpol emphasize about the Political Culture Approach?
They emphasize that the approach neglects institutional factors, arguing that while culture is influential, institutional structures, including laws and political systems, are equally crucial in shaping political outcomes.
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What is the core principle of the Political Economy perspective?
The core principle is the interconnectedness of politics and economics, recognizing that political and economic factors influence each other and are inseparable in shaping societal structures and outcomes.
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How does the Political Economy perspective analyze the distribution of resources and power?
It examines how resources, wealth, and power are distributed within a society, analyzing the impact of political decisions and policies on economic inequalities and how economic structures shape political power dynamics.
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What role do institutions play in the Political Economy perspective?
Institutions, both political and economic, play a crucial role, including government structures, legal frameworks, and economic institutions, in shaping the relationship between political and economic factors.
142
What are ideological influences in Political Economy?
Ideological influences in Political Economy refer to the role of different political ideologies, such as liberalism, socialism, or conservatism, in shaping economic policies, including the role of the state in the economy, wealth distribution, and market regulation.
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What is Marxist political economy?
Marxist political economy, developed by Karl Marx, focuses on the role of capitalism in shaping political structures and argues that economic relations fundamentally influence power dynamics and class struggles in society.
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What does Adam Smith's concept of the invisible hand represent in Political Economy?
Adam Smith's concept of the invisible hand represents the idea that free markets and limited government intervention drive economic prosperity through self-interest and competition.
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What is the focus of Classical Political Economy?
Classical Political Economy emphasizes the role of markets in allocating resources efficiently, supports limited government intervention, and focuses on the self-regulating nature of markets.
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What does Keynesian Political Economy advocate for?
Keynesian Political Economy advocates for government intervention in the economy, particularly through fiscal and monetary policies, to address unemployment and stabilize economic cycles.
147
What is the main criticism of Political Economy regarding reductionism?
The main criticism is that some political economists may oversimplify complex political and economic interactions, reducing them to deterministic relationships, which might not capture the full complexity of societal dynamics.
148
What does Classical Political Economy emphasize?
Classical Political Economy emphasizes the role of markets in allocating resources efficiently, supports limited government intervention, and focuses on the self-regulating nature of markets.
149
What is the emphasis of Institutional Political Economy?
Institutional Political Economy emphasizes the role of institutions, such as laws and social norms, in shaping economic behavior and influencing economic outcomes.
150
What is Dependency Theory in the context of political economy?
Dependency theory is a political economy theory that argues that the development of underdeveloped countries is the result of their dependency on developed countries, suggesting that underdeveloped countries are exploited by developed countries rather than being inherently inferior.
151
What are the key ideas of Frank's Dependency Theory?
Frank's Dependency Theory posits that the world economy is divided into a core of developed countries and a periphery of underdeveloped countries, where core countries exploit periphery countries through unequal trade relations and foreign investment, leading to the development of core countries and the underdevelopment of periphery countries.
152
How does Dependency Theory explain the trade relationship between core and periphery countries?
Dependency Theory explains that core countries exploit periphery countries by purchasing raw materials and agricultural products at low prices, which are then used to produce manufactured goods sold back to underdeveloped countries at high prices, resulting in a net transfer of wealth from periphery to core countries.
153
What are some criticisms of Dependency Theory?
Critics argue that Dependency Theory is too simplistic, deterministic, and Eurocentric, failing to account for the diversity of experiences among underdeveloped countries, the potential for these countries to achieve economic development independently, and the active role of non-Western countries in the global economy.
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What is World-Systems Theory as proposed by Wallerstein?
World-Systems Theory (WST) is a sociological framework developed by Immanuel Wallerstein in the 1970s to explain the emergence of capitalism and global inequality, dividing the world economy into three zones: core, semi-periphery, and periphery.
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What are Core Countries in Wallerstein's World-Systems Theory?
Core Countries are the most developed nations characterized by robust economies, high industrialization, urbanization, a high standard of living, and relatively equal wealth distribution.
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What role do Semi-Peripheral Countries play in the World-System?
Semi-Peripheral Countries are developing nations that exhibit traits of both core and peripheral countries, often mediating between the core and the periphery.
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What defines Peripheral Countries in Wallerstein's framework?
Peripheral Countries are the least developed nations with low industrialization and urbanization, high poverty, characterized by inequality and reliance on exporting raw materials to core nations while importing manufactured goods.
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How does Wallerstein's World-Systems Theory explain exploitation?
Wallerstein argues that core countries exploit semi-peripheral and peripheral countries through unequal trade relations, foreign investment, and military intervention to maintain their dominant position in the world-system.
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What is the difference between World-Economy and World-System according to Wallerstein?
Wallerstein distinguishes a world-economy, which is characterized by economic interconnections, from a world-system, which includes both economic and political relationships, incorporating power dynamics and hierarchies beyond mere economic transactions.
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What is Structural Differentiation in the context of World-System Theory?
Structural Differentiation refers to the distinct roles and positions that nations assume based on their economic activities, with core nations specializing in advanced industrial production and periphery nations providing raw materials and cheap labor.
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What does Dependency mean in Wallerstein's World-System Theory?
Dependency is an inherent feature of the world-system where core nations rely on the periphery for resources and labor, while the periphery depends on the core for technology, capital, and market access, contributing to underdevelopment in the periphery.
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What are some criticisms of World-Systems Theory?
Critics argue that World-Systems Theory oversimplifies global dynamics, neglects diverse interactions among nations, and downplays the agency of nations, overlooking their strategic decisions and adaptive strategies.
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What are cultural determinants in the context of political economy?
Cultural determinants refer to the influence of cultural factors on a nation's development, which critics argue is often underplayed in political economy theories.
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How does the political economy approach help in understanding policy choices?
The political economy approach elucidates how political and economic factors influence policy choices across nations, contributing to varied outcomes.
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What is the significance of exploring development disparities in political economy?
Exploring development disparities reveals how political institutions and economic structures shape differing levels of economic growth and underdevelopment.
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What limitations does the political economy approach face regarding cultural and historical variability?
Political economy models may struggle to incorporate cultural and historical nuances, impacting their ability to explain diverse political and economic outcomes.
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How does globalization sustain core-periphery dynamics according to world-systems theory?
Globalization sustains core-periphery dynamics by allowing multinational corporations from core nations to exploit resources in peripheral regions, perpetuating global imbalances.
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What role do dependency relationships play in the world-systems perspective?
Dependency relationships, such as the extraction of raw materials from peripheral nations by core nations, are explained by the world-systems perspective and fuel ongoing debates on economic dependency.
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What is the impact of unequal access to technology in the context of global inequalities?
The ongoing dominance of core nations in technological advancements reinforces the digital divide, highlighting persistent global inequalities in technology access.
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How does the political economy approach provide insights into political systems?
It provides insights by analyzing the interaction between political institutions and economic factors, uncovering governance dynamics and decision-making processes.
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What are the methodological challenges in comparative political economy?
Comparative political economy faces challenges in data comparability and isolating variables, limiting the precision of cross-national comparisons.
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How do non-economic factors influence policy outcomes in political economy?
Political economy perspectives may not comprehensively explain diverse policy outcomes, with non-economic factors like social movements and geopolitical considerations playing significant roles.
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What is the significance of understanding social structures in political sociology?
Political sociologists analyze how social structures, such as class, race, gender, and ethnicity, influence political power and decision-making, exploring how social hierarchies and inequalities manifest in political systems and policies.
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How do cultural dynamics affect political systems according to political sociology?
Political sociologists explore the cultural dimensions of politics, including shared values, beliefs, and symbols that influence political attitudes and behavior, which can explain variations in political outcomes across different societies.
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What is the challenge in reconciling economic determinism with political determinism in political economy?
There remains a challenge in reconciling economic determinism with political determinism within the political economy approach, as noted by Samuel Huntington.
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What is the focus of political sociology in comparative politics?
Political sociology provides a lens to examine the dynamic interplay between political institutions, structures, and societal elements, understanding how social factors, power relations, and cultural dynamics influence political processes and outcomes.
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What are social movements and activism in the context of political sociology?
Social movements and activism involve analyzing how collective action, protest movements, and social mobilization contribute to political change and influence state policies.
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How does globalization impact political processes according to political sociology?
Globalization impacts political processes by shaping domestic politics and policies through global forces such as economic interdependence and transnational actors.
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What is the significance of identity politics in political sociology?
Identity politics investigates how political identities, including national, ethnic, and religious identities, influence political behavior and conflicts.
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How does political culture affect political participation and decision-making?
Political culture influences political participation and decision-making by shaping the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes within a society.
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What role does social change and development play in political transformations?
Social change and development impact political transformations by examining how economic development, technological advancements, and social shifts affect political structures and processes.
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What is the criticism regarding the focus on society in political sociology?
Critics raise concerns about the potential loss of political science's independent identity due to the focus on society, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that includes institutional and cultural elements.
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What is neo-institutionalism in response to political sociology?
Neo-institutionalism addresses the weaknesses in the overtly sociological approach of Political Sociology by emphasizing the importance of institutional factors in understanding political events.
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What is Neo-Institutionalism in the context of Political Sociology?
Neo-Institutionalism emerged as a revival of the institutional approach, addressing concerns that political sociology was sidelining the role of the state, particularly in developing countries where the state actively shapes socio-cultural factors.
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What was Theda Skopol's influential call regarding the study of the state?
Theda Skopol's call to 'Bring the State back in' in 1985 underscored the significance of state institutions as central actors with autonomy and the capacity to shape relations, highlighting the need to understand the dynamics within and around state institutions.
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How did scholars like March and Olsen suggest to shift the analytical focus in the study of the state?
Scholars like March and Olsen advocated for 'Reinventing Government,' suggesting a shift from micro-processes and methodological individualism to understanding how institutions, rules, and procedures constrain the behavior of actors and the reciprocal relationship between these structures and actors.
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What role did comparative methods play in revitalizing Political Science?
Comparative methods within Political Science, such as the Systems approach or the Political development approach, played a crucial role in revitalizing the field by providing a framework for understanding and theorizing complex political dynamics, making the field more relevant to evolving political realities.
