POL 221: Introduction to Comparative Politics Instructor: Dr. Gang Guo

A Shrinking World Events around the world affect us all –Globalization –how international economic, social, cultural, and technological forces are affecting events inside individual countries. We live in a time of crisis The world is changing significantly and quickly

Why we compare? Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America “Although I very rarely spoke of France in my book, I did not write one page of it without having her, so to speak, before my eyes” “Without comparisons to make, the mind does not know how to proceed”

Why we compare? Comparison is fundamental to all human thought Comparison is the methodological core of scientific study of politics –compare the past and present –compare experiences of various nations –develop explanation –test theories

How we compare? Description of political phenomena –conceptual framework Explanation of political phenomena –causal relationship –test theories: large numbers (large “n”): statistical studies small numbers (small “n”): case studies Prediction of political phenomena

Politics public decisions within a community –political system authoritative –Power: ability to get people or groups to do what they otherwise would not do coercive means –force and monetary resources

Political system System –interdependent parts and boundaries Political system –set of institutions and agencies government political organizations (parties, interest groups) –formulate and implement collective goals of a society or of groups within it

State –a particular type of political system –has sovereignty (independent legal authority) “night watchman state” police state welfare state types and strength of states

Government –organizations of individuals –authorized by formal documents –make binding decisions on behalf of a particular community philosophical debates –why government exist? –state of nature

Government serve functions community-building –nation large-scale communities common perceived identity –political culture public attitudes toward politics and their role within the political system –political socialization

Government serve functions providing security, law, and order –external security national defense forces –internal security police forces –government monopoly protecting economic, social, and political rights

Government serve functions promoting economic efficiency and growth –market failures in capitalist economies property rights, competition, and information –undersupply of public goods parks, roads, national defense, environment –negative externalities environmental degradation –natural monopolies

social justice redistribute resources –equal opportunities