Mexico
Nigeria
Britain
Iran China
Russia
How can we compare 6 different countries that have different histories, cultures, peoples, governments, politics, values, views on the
world, policies, futures, etc.?
1. Systems Theory
Models for Comparison
We will use the current health care debate to illustrate this process.
Interest Groups – groups formed to ‘lobby’ around specific issues and concerns of a group Ex.) Trade Unions, Business Associations, Military Contractors
Political Parties – larger entity that tries to bring together the interests of a number of groups & gain control over government. Ex.) Democrats, Republicans
Protestors/Rebels – ‘outside the system’ groups that try to influence government Ex.) 9/11 Hijackers
Models for Comparison Inputs – ways average
citizens and their groups engage in political life. Ex.) voting, attending listening
sessions
Models for Comparison Decision Making –
influenced/determined by the structure of their institution and the values, skills, & personalities of their leaders.
Output (Policy)– regulatory, redistributive, and symbolic actions by government Ex.) Health Care Reform, Taxes, Changing the National
Anthem (Iran 1979)
Feedback – process through which people find out about policy & the ways in which their reactions help the next phase of the process Ex.) Media
Models for Comparison Environment – everything
lying outside the political system that influences through this process Ex.) History Ex.) Social, Economic, Physical
Condition Ex.) Global Forces (increasingly
important factor)
2. Three World Approach• System used prior to the early 1990s
• 1st World – The United States & Its Allies• 2nd World – The Soviet Union & Its Allies• 3rd World – Nations that didn’t fit above and were all
economically underdeveloped & deprived.
Models for Comparison
3. 21st Century/Modern Approach• Since the end of the Cold War, the world has changed –
politically, economically, & socially 1. Advanced Democracies Nations 2. Communist/Post-Communist Nations3. Newly Industrializing/Less Developed Nations
Models for Comparison
Advanced Democracies• AP GAP – Britain• Characteristics:• Rich, Western countries• Representative government• Competitive elections• Rule of law• Active & Civic culture• Legitimate power of government• Civil Liberties• Post-Industrial & Mixed Economies
Models for Comparison
Post Communist & Communist• AP GAP – Russia & China• Characteristics:• Authoritarian/Totalitarian political histories• Command Economies • High levels of social services• Old infrastructure & industrial capital• Beginnings of market-orientated economies• Social & Economic Problems
Models for Comparison
Newly Industrializing/Less Developed• AP GAP – Iran, Mexico, Nigeria• Characteristics:• Former Colonies of Western Powers• Powerful foreign multinational corporations • Power of government is weak, unstable• Dramatic poverty• Lack of basic public services• Low political integration• Serious ethnic conflict• Large gap in wealth and education• Rapid population growth• Environmental degradation
Models for Comparison
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