POL 140 Exam 1 Study Guide

Conflict Theory

A theory developed by Samuel Huntington that examines the conflicts arising from cultural and ideological differences.

Dependency Theory

A theory that suggests that resources flow from a periphery of poor and underdeveloped states to a core of wealthy states.

Comparative Politics

The field of political science that focuses on the comparative analysis of political systems.

Empirical Political Science

A branch of political science that relies on observable and measurable evidence.

Normative Political Science

A branch of political science that deals with what ought to be rather than what is.

Causal Argument

An argument that seeks to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Research Designs in Comparative Politics

The methodologies used to conduct comparative analysis in political science.

Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)

An economic policy that advocates replacing foreign imports with domestic production.

Export-Oriented Industrialization

An economic strategy aimed at speeding up the industrialization process by exporting goods for which the nation has a comparative advantage.

East Asian Tigers

Refers to the economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, known for their rapid industrialization and economic growth.

Newly Industrializing Countries (NICs)

Countries that are in the process of industrialization and have shown rapid economic growth.

Classical Liberalism (Laissez Faire)

An economic philosophy of free-market capitalism that opposes government intervention.

Command Economy

An economic system in which the government controls the production and distribution of goods and services.

Latin American Statism

An economic policy that emphasizes state intervention in the economy.

Developmental State

A state that has the capacity and autonomy to promote economic development.

Economic Globalization

The increasing economic interdependence among countries through trade, investment, and capital flows.

Global Financial Flows

The movement of money for the purpose of investment, trade, or business production across international borders.

Bretton Woods System

A system of monetary management established in 1944 that created rules for commercial and financial relations among the world's major industrial states.

International Economic Institutions

Organizations that manage economic relations among countries, such as the IMF, World Bank, and WTO.

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

Companies that operate in multiple countries beyond their home country.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy for national power.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gain independence from colonial powers.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence.

Poverty

The state of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic living standards.

Economic Inequality

The unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.

Gini Index

A statistical measure of income inequality within a population, ranging from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).

Human Development Index (HDI)

A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators used to rank countries.

Modernization Theory

A theory that explains the process of modernization within societies, often associated with economic development.

Shantytowns/Squatter settlements

Improvised housing built without legal permission, often found in urban areas.

Informal economy (sector)

Economic activities that are not regulated by the government and are not included in the formal economy.