Comp Pol Eco Midterm

Colonialism

A system where a powerful country establishes control over a weaker country or territory, often involving settlement and economic exploitation.

Imperialism

The policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Industrialization

The process of developing industries in a country or region on a wide scale, typically involving the use of machinery and manufacturing.

Neocolonialism

The practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence countries, especially former dependencies.

Import Substitution

A developmental strategy where a country produces goods domestically to reduce dependence on foreign imports.

Export-oriented Industrialization

An economic policy that aims to speed up industrialization by exporting goods for which a country has a comparative advantage.

Shared Sovereignty

A concept where multiple political entities share control over certain functions, such as taxation and revenue expense.

Political Institutions

Structures of a political system that create, enforce, and apply laws, policies, and decisions.

Corruption

The abuse of power for personal gain, often leading to systemic inefficiencies and social issues.

Resource Curse

The paradox where countries rich in natural resources experience less economic growth and worse development outcomes compared to countries with fewer resources.

The Inverted U Curve

A theory suggesting that the relationship between income distribution and democratization is shaped like an inverted U, with an optimal level of inequality for political liberalization.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that examines how group membership affects personal identities, particularly in contexts of ethnic and national divisions.

Political Capacity

The ability of political institutions to effectively govern and implement policies.

Rent-seeking

The practice where individuals or groups seek to gain added wealth without any contribution to productivity, often through manipulation of the political environment.

Modernization Theory

The theory that economic development and growth lead to democratic governance and greater social equality.

Ethnic Inequality

Disparities and unequal access to resources or opportunities based on ethnic group affiliations.

Judicial Independence

The principle that the judiciary should be independent from other branches of government and have the authority to interpret laws without influence.

Structural Explanations for Success

The identification of underlying economic and political structures that contribute to a country’s growth and success.

State Capacity

The ability of the state to administer its resources and implement policies and laws effectively.

Political Regime

The form of government and its underlying principles, which shape the political life of a nation.

Economic Growth

An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, typically measured by GDP.

Political Infrastructure

The underlying framework of political institutions that supports governance and the exercise of political authority.