Globalization, democratization, and political structures in Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, China, and the UK

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts of comparative politics, including democratization trends, power sources, economic strategies, and political structures for Nigeria, Mexico, Russia, China, and the UK.

IFE (now INE)

The electoral institution in Mexico that was strengthened by reforms in the $1990\text{s}$ to transition from PRI dominance toward competitive elections.

Vicente Fox

The PAN candidate whose victory in the $2000$ election marked a peaceful transfer of power in Mexico.

United Russia

The dominant ruling party in Russia that has helped centralize executive power under Putin.

Nigeria's Fourth Republic

The current democratic era in Nigeria that began in $1999$ with a new constitution following a long history of military coups.

Nigerian presidential election requirements

To ensure broad national support, a candidate must win a plurality of votes and at least 25\text{%} of the votes in at least $2/3$ of the states.

Uncodified Constitution

A source of authority for the UK based on rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, and elections rather than a single written document.

Gradual Reform

Slow, negotiated institutional change, such as the UK's devolution of power to Scotland and Wales.

Revolution

A rapid, fundamental overthrow of a regime, exemplified by China's $1949$ Communist Revolution.

Coup d’État

The process where the military forcibly removes a government, as seen in Nigeria's history in $1966$, $1983$, and $1985$.

Unitary System

A political structure where a strong central authority implements efficient and uniform policy, used in China and the UK (though the UK has devolution).

Federal System

A structure that divides power between central and regional governments to accommodate diversity, used in Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.

Political Legitimacy

The degree to which citizens believe their government has the right to rule.

Duverger’s Law

A political theory stating that SMD (Single-Member District) plurality systems tend to produce $2$ major parties, while proportional representation produces multiparty systems.

Civil Society

Voluntary organizations outside of the state, such as NGOs, unions, and religious groups, that help citizens advance their interests.

Social Cleavages

Deep, lasting divisions in society based on factors like ethnicity, religion, region, class, or language.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures through trade, technology, and communication.

Supranational Organizations

Groups like the EU, WTO, or IMF that promote global cooperation but can sometimes override national laws or sovereignty.

Economic Liberalization

The policy of reducing state intervention in the economy through privatization, deregulation, and free trade.

Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI)

An economic policy of producing goods domestically protected by high tariffs, used by Mexico before the $1980\text{s}$.

Export-Oriented Industrialization (EOI)

An economic strategy focusing on open markets and exports, preferred by the IMF and World Bank and utilized by China.

Rentier State

A state that derives a large portion of its revenue from renting natural resources, such as oil, to external actors.

Resource Curse Theory

The theory that an abundance of natural resources can lead to corruption, weak institutions, and reduced government accountability.

Mexico’s Gender Quotas

A legal requirement for political parties to run equal numbers of male and female candidates, leading to high representation in the legislature.

Political Liberalization

The process of increasing citizen rights and competitive elections within a regime.