CPO2001 Articles Midterm 1

Into to comparative politics, midterm 1 academic articles

Article 1: Who?

Daron Acemoglu

Article 1: When?

2003

Article 1: Why

To assess the role of institutions in economic development

Article 1: Core Question

Do good institutions drive economic development or is it geography?

Article 1: Importance

Explains how institutions, not geography, are key to long term economic prosperity.

Article 1: Answer

Good insitutions, not geography lead to economic growth

Article 1:Methodology

Qualitative: Historical anaylysis of regions impacted by colonization

Article 1: Results

Extractive institutions harm long term growth, while inclusive institutions foster it.

Article 1: Key concepts

Institutions: enforce property rights, limit elite power, and provide opportunities for all.

Article 2: Who?

Adam Smith

Article 2: When?

1776

Article 2: Why

To explain how the division of labor increases productivity

Article 2: Core Question

How does labor division lead to economic growth?

Article 2: Importance

Laid the foundation for modern economic thought on labor specialization

Article 2: Answer

Division of labor leads to more efficient production and wealth.

Article 2: Methodology

Qualitative: Observational and theoretical analysis

Article 2: Results and Key concepts

Specialization increases productivity by improving skill, saving time, and innovation. Division of labor, productivity, and self interest.

Article 3: Who/When/Why

Fearon and Laitin/2003/Explains causes of civil wars globally

Article 3: Core Question and its Importance

What factors lead to civil war onset?

Challenges conventional wisdom; explains why insurgencies happen in weak states.

Article 3: Answer and Methodology

Civil wars result from weak states, not ethnic grievances.

Quantitative - Comparative data on 161 countries

Article 3: Results and Key Concepts

Insurgencies are easier in poor, weakly governed states.

Insurgency Feasibility: Weak governments and rough terrain favors guerilla warfare.

Grievances vs. Opportunity: Ethnic diversity doesn’t cause war; weak conditions do

Government Weakness: Low income and poor policing = higher insurgency risks.

Article 4: Who, When, and Why?

Alesina and la Ferrara/2005/Study effects of ethnic diversity on economic performance.

Article 4: Core Question and its importance

Is ethnic diversity good or bad for economic growth?

Shows diversity can hinder public goods but boost productivity in advanced economies.

Article 4: Answer and Methodology

Ethnic Diversity has mixed effects lowers public goods efficiency but boosts private productivity.

Quantitive- Cross sectional data on countries, focusing on growth and diversity.

Article 4: Results and Key Concepts

Diversity hampers growth in low income countries but helps in advanced ones.

Fractionalization: More ethnic groups, less consensus on public goods

Productivity: Diversity fosters innovation in rich economies

Economic Impact: Effects of diversity depend on income level

Article 5: Who/When/Why?

Max Weber/1918/Sought to explain the nature of political power and modern state emergence.

Article 5: Core Question and importance

What is the nature of political power and how did the modern state evolve?

Provides foundational concepts of the types of authorities and defines the modern state?

Article 5: Methodology and Results

Qualitative- Historical and theoretical comparison between Europe and Africa.

States gain authority through force, and shift to rational legal bureaucracy. Emphasis on state autonomy and capacity in understanding democracy and economics.

Article 6: Who/When/Why?

Jeffrey Herbst/1990/To explore why African states sturggle with consoloidation compared to Europe.

Article 6: Core Question and Importance

Cam African States consolidate power and build strong institutions without war like Europe?

Explains why African states remain weak and struggle with institutions and national identity.

Article 6: Answer/Method/Results

African States are weaker without war and struggle without taxation and nationalism

Qualitative - comparison between Europe and Africa, focusing on tax, nationalism, and war.

War Centralized Europe, increased tax efficiency, and fostered unity. African States are weaker due to the absence of war.

Article 7: Who/When/Why?

Robert Rotberg/2002/ To explain why nation-states fail and the impact on global security.

Article 7: Core Question and Importance

What are the dynamics of state failure, and how can it be identified and prevented?

Failed States are a threat to global security, harboring terrorism and violence.

Article 7: Method/Key Concepts/Results

Qualitative- Historical analysis with case studies.

Failed States: Cannot provide political goods
Political Goods: Security, Education, Infrastructure
State Control: loss of government control leads to violence
Corruption: Elites exploit resources for personal gain
Global security Risk: Failed states are breeding grounds for Terrorism

Failed states pose a global security threat and need to address corruption, poor governance, and lack of services.

Article 8: Who/When/Why?

Stephen Krasner/2001/Challenges the idea that sovereignty is dead; suggests it has evolved.

Article 8: Core Question and Importance

Is Sovereignty being eroded by globalization or is it adapting?

Helps understand how states interact with global forces like NGO’s, media, and trade.

Article 8: Method/Key Concepts/Results

Qualitative; Historical analysis with case studies (Eu, China)

Sovereignty isn’t dead: States still have power despite global forces.
Globalization: Limits control but doesn’t erase it.
Evolving sovereignty: States give up some control, but gain in others.

Sovereignty adapt, not collapses, states retain authority despite global movements.