State, Political Violence, and Nondemocratic Regimes

Nondemocratic Regime

When a political regime is consolidated amongst a small group of individuals who exercise state power without being constitutionally responsible to the public.

Resource Curse

When an abundance of a natural resource can be a barrier to democratization.

China

An example of a nondemocratic regime (in AP Comp Gov) with a one-party system.

Iran

An example of an illiberal regime (in AP Comp Gov) that is also theocratic.

Coercion

When people in a nation remain obedient due to a fear of violence and surveillance.

Co-optation

Individuals outside of the government are brought into a beneficial relationship with it and in turn become dependent on the government for the rewards that they seek. Corporatism and clientelism are examples of this.

Clientelism

The state co-opts individuals by providing benefits in exchange for public support. The state giving someone the ability to profit off natural resources is a common example.

Kleptocracy

"Rule by theft," where those in power drain the state of assets and resources.

Corporatism

The state creates or sanctions a limited number of organizations to represent the interests of the public and restrict those not set up or approved by the state.

Personality Cult

Under this form of political control, there is an attempt to convince the public that the leader has admirable qualities and embodies the spirit of the nation. The leader is a welcoming charismatic form of authority.

Personal Rule

The state is in the possession of the ruler. A monarchy is an example of this type of rule.

Patrimonialism

Similar to clientelism except those who benefit come from an even more exclusive circle.

Coup d'état

A sudden overthrow of the government. This quick transfer of power often results in military rule.

Bureaucratic Authoritarianism

A system in which the state bureaucracy and the military share a belief that a technocratic leadership, focused on rational, objective, and technical expertise, can solve the problems of the country without public participation.

One-Party Rule

Citizens are incorporated into a single political party in a corporatist fashion.

Theocracy

The government is based on religious authority.

Illiberal Regime

There is an illusion of democracy because the framework of one exists, but the rule of law is weak.

State

There are a set of institutions that carry out policies in a sovereign region while having a monopoly of force over the territory. Highly institutionalized.

Regime

The fundamental rules and norms of politics. These long term goals on who has power and how the power should be used can usually be found in a constitution.

Government

The people in charge of running the state. They operate under the rules of the regime and change frequently.

Rule of Law

The principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern.

Federalism

Regional bodies (states, provinces, etc) have the power for taxation, lawmaking, and security. These powers are spelled out in a constitution at the national level.

Asymmetric Federalism

Some regional bodies have more power than others in a decentralized style of government.

Unitary States

Local level power is limited because political power is concentrated at the national level.

Devolution

The process of the power structure in a nation's regime moving from centralized to decentralized.

Capacity

The ability to wield power to provide basic tasks like ensuring freedoms, providing security, or even building up one's infrastructure. It requires organization, money, legitimacy, and effective leadership from the state.

Autonomy

The ability to carry out a policy or an action without consulting the public or international actors.

Traditional Legitimacy

There is legitimacy because of the history and continuity of the institution(s). Ceremonies reinforce it.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Legitimacy comes from ideas that are linked to a leader. These ideas could be religious, or could come from populist movements.

Rational-Legal Legitimacy

Legitimacy resides in the system of laws and procedures that have been institutionalized. Authority lies within the position, not the person.

Terrorism

The use of violence by nonstate actors against civilians in order to achieve a political goal.

Relative Deprivation Model

Model that predicts revolution when public expectations outpace the rate of domestic change.