Comparative Politics: Major Theoretical Approaches

Flashcards covering the major theoretical approaches in comparative politics, key theories, core ideas, examples, and their implications.

What is the primary focus of Structuralism in Comparative Politics?

Structuralism focuses on how historical conditions, institutions, and systemic forces shape political behavior.

How do structuralists view political and social outcomes?

They believe that outcomes are determined by inherited structures, such as institutions, economic systems, and historical constraints.

What is an example of Structuralism in action regarding educational inequality?

Students' college major choices are influenced by their parents’ income and structural access to resources.

Describe the focus of Rationalism in politics.

Rationalism focuses on individuals acting strategically to maximize personal and political advantages.

What does the Prisoner’s Dilemma illustrate within Rationalism?

It illustrates that even though cooperation is ideal, self-interest often leads to defection and suboptimal outcomes.

How can Rationalism explain democratic decision-making?

Politicians often act based on personal incentives, such as reelection concerns, even if their policies aren’t socially optimal.

What is the main proposition of Culturalism in political behavior?

Culturalism posits that norms, traditions, and social beliefs shape political choices and institutions.

Give an example of how cultural narratives can persist and influence politics.

Anti-Semitism in Germany, which shaped political persecution over centuries.

How do structuralists explain the economic challenges faced by developing countries?

They argue that global wealth distribution prevents poor countries from growing.

What is the definition of democracy according to Schumpeter?

Free elections define democracy.

List the three economic theories compared in International Political Economy and their core principles.

Economic Liberalism advocates for free markets, Mercantilism emphasizes state power through national wealth, and Economic Nationalism views trade as a zero-sum game.

What does the Stag Hunt Game illustrate in the context of international cooperation?

It suggests the tension between self-interest and cooperation in achieving collective benefits.

What did Putnam's civic culture argument reveal about democratic institutions in Italy?

Trust and cooperation led to stronger democratic institutions in Northern Italy.

What is Structuralism?

Investigates how historical conditions and institutions influence political behavior.

What influences political outcomes?

Shaped by inherited structures like institutions and economic systems.

What is Educational Inequality?

College major choices are influenced by parental income and access to resources.

What does Rationalism explore?

How individuals act strategically to maximize political and personal gains.

What is the Prisoner's Dilemma?

Highlights cooperation challenges as self-interest often leads to defection.

What does Culturalism consider?

How cultural norms, traditions, and beliefs influence political choices and institutions.

What is Anti-Semitism linked to?

Linked historical prejudices to political persecution from the Black Death to the Nazi era.

What does Comparative Politics analyze?

Analyzes and compares different political systems and their behaviors.

What is Economic Liberalism?

Advocates free markets as the pathway to prosperity with minimal government intervention.

What does Mercantilism aim for?

Aims for national wealth to enhance state power through protectionism.

What is Comparative Advantage?

Suggests nations should specialize in efficient production and trade with others.

How is Democracy defined?

Characterized by free elections, political equality, and freedom.

What are Democratic Transitions?

Studies how political transitions occur through industrialization, wealth, and class struggles.