Watch out for water around the A/C, it’s leaking.

Comparative Government Theory and Historical Overview EQ: What strategies allow us to most accurately compare countries?

How should we study governments? Empirical Data—Factual statements and statistics Ex.—The GDP per capita of Great Britain is $38,974/yr. Normative Statements—Drawing conclusions based on empirical data (partially opinionated). Ex.—Based on its GDP, it is clear Great Britain is a developed country.

The Scientific Method Political scientists attempt to use the scientific method when comparing governments. Hypothesis—What they expect their data will show. Ex.—Low levels of formal education lead to an increase in poverty. Variables—The data studied to test a hypothesis. Ex.??? Henan Province, China

Independent and Dependent Variables Independent variable—The variable that influences the dependent variable. Dependent Variable—The variable you are trying to test. Correlation—When both variables are clearly related. Causation—When one variable clearly causes another. Ex. High sugar consumption leads to diabetes…

Correlation, or causation?

EQ: What major changes has our world gone through in the last 200 years? EQ: How have our countries been affected by these major changes over the last 200 years?

The Industrial Revolution The mechanization of labor and manufacturing. Happened at different times for different world regions. Also caused an explosion in population and pollution. How industrialized do you think our different countries are?

Colonialism and Imperialism Newly industrialized countries conquered countries that had not yet industrialized. Which of our countries were imperialist? Colonies? What were the effects of imperialism on our countries?

Democratization—1914—1960’s In the 20th century, countries began to gain their independence, and most democratized. Liberal Democracies--Historically established democracies with civil liberties, rule of law, and an open society.

Transitional Democracies—A country that is attempting to democratize, but has not yet established a full democratic tradition. Illiberal/Procedural Democracies/hybrid regime—The rule of law may be in place, but it is mainly for show and is not consistently followed.

The Rise of Communism and Authoritarianism—1914—1940’s What is communism? Which of our countries had the strongest communist movements/control? Authoritarianism--a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.) Which of our countries are the most authoritarian? How do you know?

Rise of Supranational Organizations—1945-present The United Nations-- The European Union-- World Trade Organization—Ensures that trade flows smoothly, predictably, and legally between countries. International Monetary Fund—An organization that lends money to countries that cannot pay off their debts or are trying to reconstruct their country

The Cold War—1945-1991 U.S. vs. Soviet Union Three world approach— 1st World: U.S. and allies 2nd World: Soviet Union and allies 3rd World: Economically underdeveloped countries

Video! Arm sales during the Cold War

Globalization—1991-present (kinda) After the Cold War ended in 1991, global trade exploded Businesses no longer contained in one country New International Division of Labor--Certain world regions now dominate certain industries Capitalism/market economy/liberal economics becoming most dominant economic practice Populism and nationalism…

wimps

Anti-liberalism? Economically liberal—Low government involvement in economies, lots of free trade between countries, no trade barriers Lots of trade agreements Politically liberal—Pro-democracy, pro-individual rights, pro-limited government Both of these concepts being combated by… Rise in authoritarianism—China, Russia, Phillipines, Turkey Rise in political isolationism, nativism—USA, UK (Brexit)

Review! What is the difference between an empirical and a normative statement? Explain what causation is between an independent and a dependent variable. Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on the United Kingdom? Why? Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on Russia? Why? Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on China? Why? Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on Nigeria? Why? Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on Iran? Why? Which of these time periods do you think had the greatest impact on Mexico? Why?

FRQ!