Politics and Development in the World's Poorer Countries

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on politics and development in poorer countries.

What percentage of the world's population lives in high-income countries?

Less than one-sixth of the population.

What income level is associated with five-sixths of the world's population?

A per capita income less than half that of Canada.

What are alternative terms often used to describe Third World countries?

Developing countries, less developed countries, underdeveloped countries.

What does development traditionally refer to?

Initially considered mainly in economic terms.

What additional elements are now considered in development?

Political and social elements.

How did European powers affect Third World countries' governance?

They often left them ill-prepared for governing after independence.

What is a key challenge in developing countries regarding foreign intervention?

Political problems are often a product of a history of domination and exploitation.

What is meant by 'nomenclature' in the context of development?

A system of naming and terminology regarding less developed countries.

What is the focus of democratic development in developing countries?

Legitimacy, justice, and order.

How is democracy defined beyond the right to vote?

It entails openness and citizen participation.

What impact does the legacy of colonialism have on LDCs' ability to develop democratically?

Many were not equipped for democratic governance.

What are the three goals of development mentioned in the notes?

Satisfying basic needs, building a diversified economy, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

What elements besides economic development are important for overall development?

Social stability, health and social care, public education, and civil rights.

What is required for effective governance in relation to military and politics?

Civilian oversight of armed forces is essential.

What are three ways in which Third World politics diverges from liberal democracies?

Liberal democracies are rare, weak governmental institutions, and increased violence.

What does modernization theory propose for poor countries?

They must change traditional values to copy developed countries.

What is the criticism of modernization theory by dependency theory?

It argues that underdevelopment results from a power imbalance between rich and poor countries.

What are the two types of state-directed development?

Socialist and capitalist.

What is a feature of the Asian model of development?

It has succeeded under both democratic and dictatorial regimes.

What is significant about China's political system compared to India's?

China is a communist state that embraces capitalist economics, while India is the largest democracy.

What historical event marked the emergence of modern communist China?

The victory of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949.

What were the key policies during Mao's era and their outcomes in China?

Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution led to significant social and economic upheaval.

What economic policy did Deng Xiaoping implement in China after Mao's death?

Open Door Policy.

What is the status of the Chinese Communist Party?

It is a one-party state with hierarchical structure.

What has the Open Door policy led to in terms of China's economy?

It attracted multinational corporations and created a trade surplus.

What are some challenges China faces today?

Human rights issues, legitimacy of the one-party rule, and uneven economic development.

What does Official Development Assistance (ODA) refer to?

Aid given by governments of richer countries to less developed countries.

How long has democratization been ongoing in western democracies?

Over 200 years.

What is the argument regarding the pace of democratization in LDCs compared to western democracies?

Expecting rapid democratization in LDCs is unrealistic.

What is sustainable development?

Economic growth model that uses renewable resources to protect the environment.

Why is population growth a challenge for LDCs?

It often leads to underdevelopment as social and economic benefits cannot keep pace.

What is a significant historical consequence of the imperial history in countries like China?

Long-lasting civil conflict and political struggles post-imperialism.

What is one major political effect of rapid population growth in LDCs?

It can affect political control and stability.