European Political Stability: Democracy, Institutions, and Culture in Germany, France, and the UK

What are the three frameworks that set the scene for the interwar background?

1. Pre 1914, 2. The Great War/WW1, 3. 1918-1939 (interwar)

What major economic issue characterized the interwar period?

Crippling economic downturns, particularly the Great Depression.

Which countries maintained democracies during the interwar period?

Britain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries.

What was the outcome for democracies in Italy, Germany, Spain, and Austria during the interwar period?

Democracy broke down in these countries.

Who is known as the 'Father of Fascism'?

Mussolini.

What significant event in Spain set the stage for World War II?

The Spanish Civil War.

What were the three democratic breakdowns mentioned?

1. Italy under Mussolini, 2. Spain during the Civil War, 3. Germany under the Nazi Party.

What factors did Mazower focus on regarding democratic breakdowns?

1. National political cultures/popular ideologies, 2. Constitutional design/electoral laws, 3. Economic interests affected by the Great Depression.

What did Robert Brasillach represent in the context of national political cultures?

He was a Nazi collaborator who expressed nostalgia for fascism.

What is the significance of norms and values in political regimes?

They dictate the regime's perceived 'just-ness' in people's eyes.

What characterized the 'Miraculous Fifties' in Europe?

A period of recovery and prosperity with signs of economic boom.

What was the Marshall Plan aimed at?

Preventing economic expansion and communist expansion in Europe.

What are the three main approaches to explaining major political outcomes?

1. Ideas, 2. Interests, 3. Institutions.

What does the interests-based explanation assume about people's actions?

People act calculatingly to further their own economic interests.

How do socio-economic positions influence political choices?

They determine political preferences based on income levels and ownership.

What do ideas refer to in the context of political beliefs?

A set of beliefs about what is just or appropriate, including norms, values, and ideologies.

What does the sidebar example of the 4th hijacked plane illustrate?

It shows how cultural norms can influence decision-making in crisis situations.

What are the two key questions regarding institutions in a democracy?

1. What are the rules by which they vote? 2. Is there a mechanism to decide on a winner?

What is the assumption behind explanations based on institutions?

People act politically in ways consistent with the requirements and incentives of formal rules.

What are Dahl's three characteristics that differentiate democracies from authoritarian regimes?

1. Popular participation, 2. Civil and political rights, 3. Competition and contestation.

What is a significant aspect of the UK's democratic development?

It has never experienced a breakdown in democracy over time.

What does the term 'electoral laws' refer to?

The formal rules that govern how elections are conducted in a democracy.

What is the role of constitutional provisions in a democracy?

They outline the powers and structure of government.

How can different combinations of institutions affect political outcomes?

They can lead to varying political preferences and outcomes across countries and time.

What is the significance of the Great Depression in the context of democratic breakdowns?

It contributed to the rise of anti-democratic ideologies from both the far-right and far-left.

What does the phrase 'Tell me where they sit, and I'll be able to tell you where they stand' imply?

It suggests that people's political choices are influenced by their economic interests.

What is the relationship between similar interests and political preferences?

Similar interests lead to similar political preferences.

What does the term 'instrumental relationships' refer to in political choices?

It refers to the idea that people will change their political choices when their interests change.

What is the main prediction regarding political preferences under similar institutions?

People under similar institutions should have similar political preferences, regardless of their economic interests.

What do different combinations of institutions explain?

Different combinations of institutions explain different political outcomes across countries and time.

Do institutions often change over time?

Institutions don't often change, but they can change over time.

What are the three approaches to understanding political behavior?

Ideas, interests, and institutions.

Why can't all three approaches be used simultaneously?

Using all three approaches is ontologically incoherent and results in divergent predictions.

How does religion complicate the understanding of political preferences?

For example, high-income individuals in Muslim-majority countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia tend to be against democracy.

What is the historical significance of the United Kingdom in terms of democracy?

The UK is the only country that can be argued never got 'less' democratic over time, with no breakdowns or rehearsals.

What is required for participants in a democracy according to Dahl?

Participants must be tolerant and accept differing opinions without major repercussions.

What does Dahl's culture argument emphasize regarding the UK?

It emphasizes the sequence of contestation before inclusion and norms of agreeing to disagree, leading to stable democracy.

What does the wealth argument suggest about political stability?

As general wealth increases and diffuses, there is less conflict between classes, leading to more moderate political goals.

What was the progression of voting rights in the UK from 1830 to 1928?

1830: Competitive elections among upper class; 1832: Vote extended to most of middle class; 1867: Skilled workers; 1884: Male agricultural laborers; 1918: Remaining men 21+ and women 30+; 1928: Remaining women 21 and up.

What is the significance of the gradual inclusion of voters in the UK?

New voters internalized norms of disagreement and civility, contributing to stable democratic practices.

What is the main focus of Anthony Downs' 'An Economic Theory of Politics'?

It discusses how voters choose parties based on economic policies and spatial proximity to their preferences.

What are the assumptions made by Downs regarding voters and parties?

Voters and parties are calculating, have extensive information, and parties can reposition to attract votes.

What does the term 'cordial politics' refer to in the context of elite governance?

Cordial politics refers to elites agreeing to disagree and lose, which fosters a stable political culture.

What is the impact of abrupt inclusion on democracy?

Abrupt inclusion can lead to an unstable democracy as new electorates may not be socialized into elite norms.

What was John Maynard Keynes' view on economic downturns?

He argued that economic downturns can create a self-reinforcing cycle and that government intervention is necessary.

What examples of government intervention did Keynes advocate for?

Extending unemployment benefits, increasing pension payments, and investing in infrastructure.

What was the post-World War II consensus in Britain regarding economic policies?

Both major parties adopted similar economic policies, prioritizing low unemployment despite challenges like inflation.

How did Keynes view the role of the free market during economic downturns?

He believed the free market alone would not resolve economic downturns and that government spending could provide a boost.

What did Keynes argue regarding the free market and economic downturns?

He argued that the free market alone would not resolve economic downturns and that government spending could provide a boost.

What are examples of government interventions to counteract economic downturns?

Extending unemployment benefits and increasing pension payments.

How can government spending create economic growth according to Prof. Alexander?

By putting money into people's pockets, which they will spend, counteracting the vicious circle.

What is the importance of managing demand in economic policy?

It helps avoid economic depressions.

Which government departments are involved in managing demand?

The Department of Credit and the Department of Treasury.

What did President Obama and Bernie Sanders illustrate in relation to Keynesian policies?

Their quotes were used to demonstrate Keynesian policies in action.

What was the post-war consensus on the economy in Britain?

Both major parties agreed on maintaining similar economic policies.

What economic policies did the Labor Party implement during their time in power (1945-51)?

Increased government involvement in economic affairs, including nationalization of industries and expansion of welfare programs.

What is the concept of a post-war settlement?

An agreement where major parties accepted similar economic policies despite historical differences.

Who were key politicians in shaping economic policy during the post-war period?

Brad Butler and Hugh Gaitskell.

What does the Phillips Curve illustrate?

The trade-off between inflation and unemployment, showing they are inversely correlated.

What was the impact of the 'Winter of Discontent' in 1979?

It marked widespread strikes that undermined public confidence in the Labor government, leading to its replacement by the Conservatives.

What were the three main forms of economic policy discussed by Prof. Alexander?

Nationalization of industries, Keynesian demand management, and the welfare state.

What was the economic situation in Britain during the late 1960s and 1970s?

Growth slowed, leading to recessions, high inflation, and economic disruptions.

What is the significance of the term 'les trente glorieuses'?

It refers to a period of strong economic growth in post-war Britain.

What challenges did the Labor Party face in implementing Keynesian policies?

They faced skepticism about their economic policies and the eventual return to power by conservative governments.

What was the critique of post-war economic policies according to Prof. Alexander?

They focused too much on demand and neglected supply, leading to inefficiencies.

What were Margaret Thatcher's key policies during her rise in the Conservative Party?

Privatization of state-owned industries, cutting taxes, and weakening trade unions.

What does the term 'political business cycle' refer to?

The idea that incumbents may manipulate economic tools to ensure their victory in elections.

How did interest rates impact consumer behavior according to Prof. Alexander?

Interest rates affect borrowing and consumption, which are crucial for economic stability.

What was the impact of inflation on the British economy in the 1970s?

It led to increased public debt, capital flight, and challenges in managing economic performance.

What is demand management in economic policy?

The practice of using government spending and policies to influence economic demand.

What does the term 'chronic deficits' refer to?

The tendency of the government to run deficits rather than building strategic reserves.

What was the role of trade unions in the post-war consensus?

They were strong and influential in shaping economic policies during this period.

What is the significance of GDP in economic discussions?

Gross Domestic Product is a key indicator of economic performance and growth.

What does the term 'capital flight' refer to?

The rapid exit of financial assets from a country, often in response to economic instability.

What does the Phillips Curve traditionally show?

A trade-off between inflation and unemployment.

What economic phenomenon questioned the Phillips Curve?

Stagflation, characterized by rising inflation and unemployment.

What event in 1979 is referred to as the 'Winter of Discontent'?

A period of significant strikes and political unrest in Britain.

Which groups were involved in strikes during the Winter of Discontent?

Coal miners and garbage collectors.

What was a major consequence of the strikes in 1979?

Widespread disruption and public anger due to the government's inability to provide basic services.

What was the political outcome of the economic challenges in 1979?

The Labor Party lost power in the 1979 election.

What economic policies did the Labor Party attempt to implement?

Policies aimed at managing demand and preventing recessions.

What challenges did the Labor Party face regarding government spending?

Maintaining high levels of spending and taxation while impacting business profitability.

What was the impact of inflation on capital flight?

Inflation pressures increased, leading to capital flight and reduced investment.

How did raising interest rates affect capital flight?

It discouraged capital flight but increased borrowing costs for businesses.

What was the significance of the coal miners' strike in 1974?

It highlighted the political instability caused by economic challenges.

What did James Callaghan question at the National Labor Party Conference in 1976?

The effectiveness of traditional Keynesian policies.

What was the post-war consensus in British economic policy?

An agreement among conservative and labor leaders on policies like nationalization and Keynesian demand management.

What critique emerged against post-war consensus policies?

The supply-side critique, arguing that policies neglected producer supply and created inefficiencies.

What were the economic consequences of deficit spending in Britain?

High interest rates and crowding out of private investment.

What shift did the Conservative Party make in economic policy?

A gradual shift away from post-war consensus and Keynesian policies.

Who became the leader of the Conservative Party after opposition to Edward Heath?

Margaret Thatcher.

What was a key aspect of Thatcher's economic policies?

Massive privatization of state-owned industries.

How did Thatcher aim to stimulate economic growth?

By cutting taxes and regulations.

What was Thatcher's approach to trade unions?

She aimed to weaken them as they were central to the post-war consensus.

What characterized Thatcher's personal political style?

Strong will and determination, which contributed to her success.

What economic condition did Britain face in the 1960s and 1970s?

Mounting economic problems including rising unemployment and inflation.

What was the term used to describe Britain's economy during the economic crisis?

The 'sick man' of Europe.

What was the result of back-to-back quarters of negative growth?

A sharp reduction in economic growth.

What did the government struggle to manage during the economic instability?

Stimulating demand to combat stagflation.

What were the implications of high taxes and welfare state programs?

They were seen as discouraging investment and business formation.