Welcome to POLS 204! Introduction to Comparative Politics Prof. Susan Whiting
Introduction to Comparative Politics Subfields of Political Science Comparative politics
Introduction to Comparative Politics Subfields of Political Science Comparative politics Political/economic phenomena within state boundaries Countries other than our own Comparison
Introduction to Comparative Politics Most important comparative issue: DEVELOPMENT
Introduction to Comparative Politics Development Economic aspects Political aspects
Introduction to Comparative Politics Development Economic aspects Wealth production Provision of basic needs Improvement in quality of life Equality
Introduction to Comparative Politics Development Political aspects Maintenance of stability State capacity to formulate and implement policy Democracy
Introduction to Comparative Politics This course will answer the following questions about development: Why are some countries rich and some countries poor? Why are some countries democratic and some authoritarian? Why are some countries stable and others wracked by violence?
Studying Comparative Politics
Introduction to Comparative Politics We will study 4 important theories that claim to explain economic and political development Neo-liberalism Modernization Dependency Statism
Introduction to Comparative Politics We will study 6 countries’ experiences with development Britain (United Kingdom) Japan Russia China Mexico Nigeria
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Exercise 1! Label each country Britain Japan Russia China Mexico Nigeria Circle label if 20 th C imperial power Make two lists Rank countries by political freedom Rank countries by level of economic development
Introduction to Comparative Politics Course website