Systems of government and Liberal Democracy

SEMI-DEMOCRATIC STATE/TURKEY (characteristics)

combination of democratic and authoritarian elements. Dominant party model where elections still take place (not fair- potentially rigged to ensure single party dominance).

SEMI-DEMOCRATIC STATE/TURKEY (Erdogan)

Erdogan- shifted from semi-democracy into more authoritarian governance. In 2017, it changed from a parliamentary to presidential system.

SEMI-DEMOCRATIC STATE/TURKEY (Undermines democracy)

After the failed 2016 coup attempt, Turkey jailed more journalists than any other country.

SEMI-DEMOCRATIC STATE/TURKEY (Military interventions)

In 2019, Turkey launched military operations against Kurdish forces in Syria. In 2020, Turkey sent military support to the Libyan government, escalating the Libyan civil war.

SEMI-DEMOCRATIC STATE/TURKEY (Hostility towards NATO allies)

2022 to 2023, Turkey blocked Sweden and Finland’s acceptance into NATO in order to force them to crack down on Kurdish forces/activists. Turkey purchased Russian missiles in 2019, leading to the US’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program, weakening NATO’s unity.

NON-DEMOCRATIC STATE/CHINA (CCP)

Authoritarian 1 party state. No political competition. CCP holds a monopoly on political power. All other parties are subordinate to the CCP.

NON-DEMOCRATIC STATE/CHINA (no free elections)

Top leadership are selected through an internal process within the CCP.

NON-DEMOCRATIC STATE/CHINA (media control)

Government controls media, restrict access to information, and censor content opposing them. The Internet is heavily monitored, called the ‘Great Firewall’.

NON-DEMOCRATIC STATE/CHINA (political dissent)

Political dissent is not tolerated. Critics face harassment, imprisonment, or vague charges like ‘subversion of state power’.

AUTOCRATIC STATE/RUSSIA (characteristics)

Ruled by 1 person, unlimited power, no rule of law limits/constitutional blocks

AUTOCRATIC STATE/RUSSIA (Undermining international institutions)

Russia seeks to weaken IGOs that promote democratic values. It has blocked UNSC resolutions aimed addressing HR abuses in countries like Syria.

AUTOCRATIC STATE/RUSSIA (Assassination and poisoning of political opponents)

Russia has been linked to the assassination of dissidents, violating international law. The high profile cases of Skripal (2018) and Navalny (2020) showcase Russia’s disregard for diplomatic protocol.

AUTOCRATIC STATE/RUSSIA (Violation of international law)

Annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine violated international laws. Destabilised Eastern Europe, triggered war in Donbasse- ongoing Russia/NATO tensions.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (characteristics)

erosion of legitimate authority, loss of control over territory, widespread corruption.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Lack of central government control)

The collapse of the state in 1991 after the overthrow of President Siad Barre, meant that Somalia plunged into a civil war with no effective government for years.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Power divisions)

Power is divided among warlords, clan leaders, and militias.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Autonomous regions)

There are autonomous regions like Somaliland and Puntland, which claim independence.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Heavy reliance on foreign support)

Limited government control outside of the capital Mogadishu. The government heavily relies on foreign support.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Chronic insecurity/conflict)

The extremist group Al-Shabaab, who control large parts of southern Somalia, conduct domestic and regional terrorist attacks.

FAILED STATE/SOMALIA (Ongoing internal conflicts and instability)

Ongoing internal conflicts and instability. Widespread poverty. Famine and food and security from droughts compounded by conflicts. In 2011, famine killed over 250,000 people in Somalia.

ROGUE STATE/NORTH KOREA (characteristics)

threat to other states, aggressive foreign policy, stockpiles weapons, support for terrorism.

ROGUE STATE/NORTH KOREA (Isolation)

UN sanctions restrict their exports (e.g. coal, textiles) and limit access to foreign currency. Few diplomatic relations (China and Russia are its main trading partners. Pariah status.

ROGUE STATE/NORTH KOREA (Nuclear threat)

Has developed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US. Its missile test tensions with South Korea, Japan, and the US, potentially causing a global security dilemma.

ROGUE STATE/NORTH KOREA (Humanitarian crisis)

The regime prioritises military spending over basic needs, leading to chronic malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and poor living conditions. The government operates a vast system of political prison camps where torture, forced to labour, and executions are common.

ROGUE STATE/NORTH KOREA (Dependence on illicit activities)

North Korea engages in cybercrime (2014 Sony hack), counterfeit currency production, drug trafficking, and illegal arms sales. North Korean hackers target global financial systems to steal funds.

Rule of law

The rule of law has been applied on an international level, with every state being accountable for upholding rights. R2P.

Human rights

The internationalisation of human rights.

Democratic states

Democratic states are predictable and peaceful as the public opinion favours money, not war.