A Framework for Comparisons

1. Conceptual Approach to Comparative Government & Politics A Framework for Comparisons

2. Russia Britain China Iran Mexico Nigeria How can we compare 6 different countriesthat have different histories, cultures, peoples, governments, politics, values, views on the world, policies, futures, etc.?

3. Models for Comparison 1. Systems Theory We will use the current health care debate to illustrate this process.

4. Models for Comparison • 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 • Inputs – ways average citizens and their groups engage in political life. • Ex.) voting, attending listening sessions

5. 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

6. 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)

7. Models for Comparison 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.

8. Models for Comparison 3. 21st Century/Modern Approach • Since the end of the Cold War, the world has changed – politically, economically, & socially • Advanced Democracies Nations • Communist/Post-Communist Nations • Newly Industrializing/Less Developed Nations

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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