Comparative Politics Video 3

Political Ideologies

Pretty consistent from place to place. Individual thoughts about what are the goals of politics and how we should balance freedom and equality. You can’t max out both of them.

Liberalism - ideology

Individual freedom!! Limited state role in politics, society and the economy.

Emphasis on individual freedoms, free markets, and pluralism over equality.

Communism - ideology

Rejects the idea that personal freedom will ensure prosperity for the majority. State’s role is to maximize EQUALITY.

Social Democracy - ideology

TRYING our best to balance freedom AND equality. Strong free markets and private ownership BUT ALSO strong state regulation for industry and social spending

Middle ground of liberalism and communism

***Europe

Fascism - ideology

REJECTS freedom AND equality. Strict social hierarchies. One group of ppl is the best, and everyone else is not as good. The state’s policies should enforce the idea that this certain group is better.

Great EX: Nazi Germany

Anarchism - ideology

The state is a THREAT to freedom and equality. We should get rid of it to maximize freedom and equality. Eliminate state and private property for that reason.

Religious Ideologies

Most ideologies covered are secular (non religious but some are). Modern politics has trended to be less and less religiously oriented.

Fundamentalism - religious ideology

Seeks to make faith the sovereign authority. State and religion should be closely connected - theocracy. Can be any religion. Attitudes can be: radical, reactionary or a combo

EX: Iran

Political Culture

The broadly held beliefs about how the government and politics should work. All Americans in large would agree on this. EX: What kind of regime would you like and everyone should say democracy. Depends from country to country tho.