States in the Social World

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on States in the Social World.

Power Elite

A small group of wealthy and influential people who hold a disproportionate amount of power in society.

Pluralist Model

A theory suggesting that multiple groups compete for influence over government decisions, ensuring that no single group dominates.

Despotism

A form of government where a single entity holds absolute power, typically without institutionalized negotiations.

IEMP Model

Michael Mann's model outlining four dimensions of social power: Ideological, Economic, Military, and Political.

Nation-State

A political entity characterized by a defined territory and a significantly unified population sharing national solidarity.

Regime Types

Different forms of government structures including democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, and totalitarian regimes.

Democratic Consolidation

The process by which a democracy matures, in which as the political system establishes institutionalized rules and practices.

Infrastructural Power

The capacity of a state to effectively implement its decisions throughout civil society.

Authoritarian Regime

A government characterized by a concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, limiting political pluralism.

Democratic Transitions

The processes through which a country moves from a non-democratic regime to a democratic one.