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POLI 130 Comparative Politics
Comparing political structures of various nations across the world
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Political Studies
Undergraduate 3
02/24/2010

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Term
Max Weber’s definition of state
Definition
a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within territories
Term
Tilly’s definition of state
Definition
coercion-wielding organizations that exercise clear priority in some respects over all other organizations within substantial territories
Term
modern complete definition of state
Definition
territory bound, contains organizations (institutions, assoc, etc), sovereignty – internal (it makes decisions, has priority over other orgs within the state, etc) and external (as in other states don’t control it and other states recognize it), and are allowed to perform coercion
Term
2 views of why humans need states
Definition
Contractarian view (Hobbes, Locke, Rouseau) – based on the idea of social contracts. Hobbes said ppl accept states bc they live in a miserable condition (called “the state of nature”) where ppl want to hurt each other to obtain benefits. In these conditions, everyone is vulnerable. If there is a situation for cooperation and a third party enforcer then and only then will there be order. This shifts conditions to a “civil society,” where there is more protection, security, etc. So ppl create social contracts to obtain “civil society.”
Predatory view (Tilly) --
-in his article Tilly says states aren’t much diff from mafia, gangsters, etc. Both are orgs that use force to get resources and benefit. Both do territory claims, war making (protecting against external enemies), state making (protecting against internal enemies), offer protection, and perform extraction.
Term
types of states
Definition
-city-states – ancient Greece and Italy 11-15th centuries. Diff from modern nation-states bc theyre small, have direct rule
-empires – much larger than modern states. Empires have indirect rule, local magnates and lords rule mostly (but not unconditionally). Emperor doesn’t do much ruling over areas within empire.
-feudal states (fiefs) – similar to empires, also have indirect rule. Lords control areas but technically under the king/ruler
-national states/nation-states – have direct rules, usually large, multi-regional. Also centralized (only one nat’l govt), differentiated, and autonomous.
Term
characteristics of weak states
Definition
Some characteristics that indicate failed/weak states include: economic indicators, uneven development, delegitimization (when a ruler undermines their own legitimacy, usually on accident), human rights issues, external intervention, group grievances (ex. ethnic grp differences).
Term
progression of state types in Brazil
Definition
Brazilian Empire (1822-1889) -- Pedro I, II, are monarchs
Old Republic (1889-1930) -- basically an oligarchy, pwr held in hands of wealthy coffee plantation owners
Revolution and Estado Novo (1930-1945) - govt under Vargas becomes centralized, emphasis on clientelism, corporationism
Populist Republic (1945-1964) - Vargas still in power til '54, basically populism big -- ex. there were union monopolies
Bureaucratic Authoritarianim (1964-1985) - military holds most pwr, with profession bureaucrats advising. Some econ growth, esp due to oil shortage. Protests begin in late '70s, eventually military steps down peacefully (and negotiates to keep status)
The Transition (1985-presentish) - slow transition, but peaceful
Racial Democracy (present) - presedentialism (pres w/ lots of pwr), const giving some pwr to legis, jud. Weak parties, very fragmented. More candidate-based than party-based. Govt very decentralized, lots of regional pwr
Police/military - big part of country, police very brutal, kill mad ppl
Term
clientelism
Definition
originally referred to premodern practice of patron-client relationship where patron delivers job/service/etc and client delivers loyalty. In modern times the client promise to vote for the patron/his party in exchange for benefits received.
diff b/w pork barrel/programmatic and clientelism is that clientelism is based on personal trust. The other two are based on where ppl live (pork barrel) or what category of worker one is (programmatic) – ie theyre more general, not really a personal relationship.
Term
corporatism
Definition
basically citizens participation funnelled through state-sponsored groups
Term
Getulio Vargas
Definition
Brazilian statesman/civilian who came to pwr after coup in 1930. Centralized Brazilian govt, lots of state-building, some econ prosperity, large govt programs, committed suicide in 1954
Term
progression of state types in Mexico
Definition
Mexican Empire (1821-23;1860-1910ish) - became independent of Spain, then empire overthrown and fragmented (lost Texas and SW US to US)
In the mid-1850s, Benito Juarez (an Indian) attempted to centralize, modernize, secularize Mexico and est a const in 1857.
Then Porfirio Diaz, a general who was liberal like Juarez, assumed pwr and ruled as authoritarian with iron fist, overseeing some econ development
Mexican Revolution (1910-1917) - diff grps fighting for pwr, very bloody, but ended with est of const in 1917.
PRI rule (1924ish-2000) - guy name Calles promotes land reform, some state bldg (taxes, educ, infrastructure), secular state, founded PRI, which remained in pwr til 2000. Marked by presidentialism, clientelism, some regionalism.
Lazaro Cardenas was prez in late 1930s early '40s, he put in a lot of social prgrms, reforms, claimed all oil in country as Mexican, etc
Mexican Miracle (1940-1970s) - pd of sustained econ growth
Term
PRI
Definition
Mexican political party founded by Calles, remained in pwr from 1917-2000, namely through repression of challengers, co-optation, propaganda, some corruption (ex. election fraud)
Term
Ideal vs. Procedural definitions of democracy
Definition
ideal concept of democracy – has 2 elements:
-all citizens supposed to be equal
-collectively sovereign
-in reality, no country meets this standard
procedural definition -- institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the pwr to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the ppl’s vote
Ideally have high amt of political contestation, inclusiveness of participation. Other things too: to form preferences (freedom of expression, suffrage, etc), signify preferences, and have them weighed equally (free/fair elections, etc)
Term
Name waves of democracy. Why do they happen in waves?
Definition
1st wave: 1828-1926
1st reverse wave: 1922-1942
2nd wave: 1943-1962
2nd reverse wave: 1958-1975
3rd wave: 1974-
Happen in waves bc of Diffusion, Foreign Intervention, Zeitgeist (spirit of the times)
Term
conditions for transitions to democracy
Definition
culture important, also prior regime types (single party regimes survive much longer than other regimes (such as personal regimes and military regimes). They tend to be stronger and more legitimate often with an attached ideology, whereas military regimes seen as transition/interim and personal rulers more tyrannical so also not very legitimate. They also are less vulnerable to econ crisis, or popular overthrow)
Term
progression of state types in England
Definition
Magna Carta in 1215 -- the king needed money from em so the nobles demanded a contractual agreement of rights (const monarchy).
Model Parliament in 1295 - first in world. Local lords got chance to negotiate with the king. Originally an instrument for nobles, but gradually ordinary ppl took advantage.
Reformation Parliament in 1529 - Parl’s decision to cut off Roman Cath shifted the king’s function from divine pwr to the nation/its ppl. Also important bc Henry asked Parl to do it, so Parl’s status became more legitimate. Rise of Parl the beginnings of demo, indicates the limits/restrictions of pwr on monarchs.
Civil War 1642-48 - monarchy abolished, then restored again in 1660.
Glorious Revolution 1688 - didn’t trust Cath king, and got another king from Netherlands, William of Orange. Parl changed the king themselves. Also signifies rise of Parl.
First Prime Minister 1721 - minister selected as executive head, shifted from the king to Parl and prime minister. Since the PM and cabinet are responsible to Parl, not to the king.
Reform Act 1832 - before this pt, only tiny percentage of pop could vote (very little participation) even though they looked very democratic. This act expanded the vote more males in urban areas. The percentage of pop with suffrage more than doubled bw 1914 to 1921. Women Suffrage complete in 1928
England Now -- The Crown just symbolic. Bicameral legislature (Parliament).
-upper is House of Lords. Used to be more powerful, but no longer. Has very limited power. It can delay legislation for up to a year. Until October 2009, it was the final court of appeals, so many are legal experts. In Oct 09, the country created a supreme ct system so House of Lords don’t do that anymore. It’s also unelected.
-lower is House of Commons. Very important, representative of ppl, very similar to House in US, has 648 members. One big diff is that the individuals in it aren’t powerful (very submissive to parties).
Term
Westminster model of democracy
Definition
parliamentary system, bicameral system, the party system (called a two-and-a-half party system , the Labour Party (more liberal) and Conservative Party biggest, with Liberal Democrat party growing in support) with single-candidate districts, unitary system (not federal system like US, means govt very centralized)
Term
progression of state types in S. Africa
Definition
Boer War 1899-1902 -- Started by policy by Afrikaaners to attempt to limit Eng migration to the area – Eng governor declared war citing discrimination against them and to abolish slavery present in the Afrikaaner area.
-war lasted much longer than predicted. After war, it became important for two white groups to reconcile with themselves – did so by subjugating Blacks (just like in Reconstruction US)
The Union of South Africa 1910 - S Africa had Westminster system among whites, but Blacks deprived of citizenship except in a few small areas controlled by Brits around Cape (where they had very limited rights). System much more favorable to Afrikaaners, who had most pol power, still resented the Brits. Brits were richer for the most part though.
Apartheid (National Party) - of segregation/discrimination policies since 1900. Formally started in 1948 by National Party. Was a nationalist party, very racist ideology. “apartheid” in Afrikaaner means “separatist”. Since 1948, the Nat’l Partly elected to pol pwr, implemented Apartheid. Ended in 1994.
-Racial Categories - whites, Africans (about 70 % of pop.), colored (mix black and white), and Asian/Indian (bc some slaves brought in from Asia/India during Dutch colonial rule). The diff types not allowed to have sex, marry, govt even broke up existing interracial marriages.
-Homelands - very poor areas est to hold Blacks, consisted about 13% of total area of country. Tried to get all Blacks (70% of pop) to these assigned Homelands. Req’d to carry their visa in other areas or be deported to their homeland.
Democratization:
-African National Congress (ANC)—regarded as symbol fighting against Apartheid.
-Methods were originally petitions, non-violent protests, etc. In 1950s, when regime became even more repressive, ANC started to organize underground military group called Spear of Nation.
-UDF (United Democratic Front) – network of many orgs, and COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) org’d resistance outside the country b/c ANC was repressed. They combined violent and non-violent actions.
-eventually protests become more effective -- industrialization demanded larger pool of workers, so more Africans got jobs by later yrs. This also meant they had more consumer power, so strikes/boycotts, etc more impactful/effective – costs to govt, econ were huge. Essentially the whole country and economy had become more dependent on Africans. -1985-89—# of lost worker days = the previous 75 years
-put embargo on S. Africa and US (under Reagan) forbade new investments in S. Africa. Result was in 1980 S. Africa was completely isolated
-1980s- some reform, some restrictions lifted. But not enough to get support from Africans or internationals.
-1980s- some reform, some restrictions lifted. But not enough to get support from Africans or internationals.
-de Klerk and Mandela finally reached an agreement and they jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize (but still didn’t like eachother)
--1994 – first democratic election in S. Africa. Had 86% voter participation rate and process was peaceful. Mandela wins.
Term
democracy as a lake
Definition
– lake can be formed for a variety of reasons: earthquake, volcano, dammed river, man-made, etc. But for whatever reason, it evolves over time, even if it’s man-made must be compatible with environment. Whatever its origins, the lake will grow based on the environment.
Term
Nelson Mandela
Definition
son of a tribe chief, supposed to inherit tribe of his father, but became leader of armed insurrection (Spear of Nation arm of ANC). Their pol prgrm was not very radical, not really anti-white, goal was multi-racial. Got life sentence in 1962, stayed there for 27 yrs until 1989. In prison, still involved in some struggles secretly. Overall, his importance for a long time was symbolic. Freed by Kirk in '91, elected prez in '93.
Term
types of authoritarian regimes
Definition
personal regimes:
-monarchy – sharply declining category, most have died out. Most concentrated in Middle East. Most important one in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulla), where king and his family rule. The big family is an advantage bc most capable member can be chosen from family. This type created by British Empire, a relatively new type
-monarchical dictatorship – “kings” called prime minister, president, etc but still play big role. Many times evolved from military regime or one-party regimes. Examples include Stalin, Hitler (power came from party’s rule, evolved into personal rule). Pinochet (Chile) his pwr evolved from military regime. Often comes from military or one-party regime and evolves.
-Presidential monarchy, populist presidential monarchy -- (Zimbabwe), Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), Putin (Russia). All were elected then gradually concentrated their power. Called populist bc they created policies to appeal to poor people (and gain popularity).
-sultanism - special type of personal rule, refers to regime in which the power has been privatized. If leader dies, power transferred to his son or daughter (govt as family business). The subordinates don’t behave like modern bureaucrats, more like personal force. So ruler uses army for personal use. There’s no clear distinguishing b/w public and private
one-party regimes:
produce very strong states, such as fascist Germany, Italy and communist USSR and China. Fascist and communist regimes are the two most common.
Term
how authoritarian rulers maintain rule:
Definition
-repression – authoritarian allow fewer behaviors (such as organizing opposition party) than democratic ones. Democratic regimes, by allowing more behaviors, also prohibit fewer behaviors.
-co-optation – authoritarian regimes often have challengers who emerge – and by their nature are big threats. Basically these threats are co-opted or incorporated into existing govts as an
alternative to repression.
-clientelism, group participation (feaux opposition), interest grps
-propaganda and ideology – examples:
--fascism – emphasizes society as an organic entity – where whole society is united. Also emphasizes the nation or the state. Individuals are not important, and are subject to the nation’s interest.
--communism – very materialist. The importance of material/economic forces emphasized strongly. Everyone supposed to be equal and free, but this is predated by long period of socialism where working class exerts most political power (but they need guidance bc don’t have political consciousness to do it). So communist party aides them.
--modernization and development – most authoritarian regimes are in undeveloped countries, so modernization is desired
-nationalism – both fascism and modernization have big emphasis on nationalism.
Term
progression of state types in Russia
Definition
Early Years:
Rus, Orthodoxy, and Mongols - First state of Orthodox Christianity. Then Mongols invade, control til 1500ish. Ivan the Terrible follows as first czar. Peter the Great was in 1689-1725 attempted to Westernize Russia, moved capital closer to Europe (St Petersburg), carried out edu and admnistrative reforms. But czars after him reversed these reforms (Nicholas I for example)
Tsarism (Absolutism, Patrimonalism, and Orthodoxy) dominates for a long time, til 1905 when Nicholas II is forced to do some limited reforms bc of Revolution of 1905, such as create legis (Duma). Then forced to step down in 1917 right before the Russian Rev.
Lenin and Bolsheviks (New Economic Policy) - create first communist state (USSR), where Comm. party controls all decisions, nomenklatura (politically influential jobs in econ/pol/society).
Stalin and His Rule (Socialism in One Country, Collectivization, Gulag, Purge) - Stalin comes to pwr after Lenin's death, constructs totalitarian regime marked by massive industrialization, collectivization of agr., which led to widespread famine. Repression a big part also -- Gulag system (of prison/work/death camps) and Purges (persecution, execution of perceived anti-revolutionaries, threats to pwr, etc)
Khrushchev - takes pwr after Stalin's death in 1953, didnt change too much
Brezhnev (Stagnation and “Brezhnev Doctrine) - followed Khrushchev, placated the nomenklatura, cont the stagnation of USSR
Gorbachev - comes to pwr in 1985, institutes glasnost (political openess) and perestroika (economic restructuring) in attempt to restore USSR.
Yeltsin - comes to pwr after Gorbachev, dissolves USSR, succeeded by Putin, who gradually moves Russia away from democratization (of Gorbachev, Yeltsin) to authoritarian regime.
Term
progression of state types in China
Definition
Monarchy - with centralized Government (since Qin Shi Huangdi in 221 BCE) - ruled by counties who were governed by the emperor
Bureaucracy (Imperial Examinations) - govt ruled by govt officials, bureaucrats not nobles like in Europe. Ppl got access to power not by their families but by what were called imperial examinations, which contained mostly confuciansism. This allowed ordinary ppl a chance at pwr.
Confucianism (Hierarchical Social Order, Mandate of Heaven, Rituals and Education) - Confucianism main ideology, which emphasized hierarchical order of society. Mandate of Heaven said rulers superior to everyone else, but had to treat subordinates fairly or risk losing legitimacy/getting overthrown. Rituals and education were key parts of this ideology also.
The Chinese Revolution (1911-1949)
Internal crisis -Qing Dynasty – in pwr then, challenged by western pwrs, for example by French in Opium War. Indicated that this old regime was outdated and couldn’t compete.
Revolution - like the Russian Rev, had 2 stages. First was t overthrow monarchy so a republic could be established. Called capitalist revolution. The second stage was a socialist revolution to install socialist society. In both cases Communist Party seized power. But in Russia the rev happened very quickly, while in China it lasted from 1911-1949. -KMT – ruling party, had legitimacy, stronger etc
-CCP – Chinese Communist party, defeated KMT, helped by WWII
CCP, Mao take pwr - Econ-market econ should be replaced by planned econ where govt decides how much made/sold. Private ownership assoc’d with capitalism. Public ownership was socialist goal. Ideally more efficient, egalitarian.
Socially, ppl are equal, society should be free of social debases (like prostitution), and the moral standard will be higher bc everyone concerned with public interest, not selfish private interest.
Collectivization and Great Leap Forward - collectivized agr in communes (like the Peoples Commune). Didnt work. Great Leap Forward - Believed using mobilization and agitation would ensure success economically. villages were under pressure to exaggerate their output to appease him. Consequences were grave bc when ppl don’t have private property (ie in the People’s Commune) they don’t have incentive to work. There was a huge famine that led to millions dying.
Cultural Revolution 1966-76 - targeted at other Communists.
-mobilized ordinary ppl, had personality cult, called young ppl to carry out revolution (Red Guards). Was very brutal and repressive. almost a civil war among ppl who were true Mao revolutionaries and ppl accussed of being false revolutionaries. Similar to Russia's Great Purge, except instead of KGB, youth did the purging/accusing, etc.
Deng - followed Mao, much more pragmatic. Had very gradual, experimental approach to develop econ. Used special econ zones as test areas, used "growing out plan" to gradually allow market to control prices, and leased land tracts to private ppl. Successful for the most part.
Stability since Mao - The Party System (Nomenclature) - hierarchical, one-party system. With a 9 member Politburo Standing Committee the most pwrful ppl. Nomenclature controls all apptments.
Ideology and Propaganda - nationalism, national heritage (less about communism/socialism than Mao's Era)
Political Consultation (National People’s Congress, Elections) -- appease some, somewhat responsive, accountable, but elections very indirect, controlled by CCP. Also CCP uses repression (see Tianammen Sq protests), but more tolerant. Censorship still widely used.
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