1. Sovereignty, Authority, and Power Elements of Political Geography

2. Political INSTITUTIONS The best way to organize ideas and information in comparative political systems is through institutions. (patterns of activity that are self-perpetuating and valued for their own sake). Institutions are often seen as central to individual’s lives and serve as the rules, norms, and values that give meaning to human activity. In some nations, democracy is an institution whereas other nations hold allegiances to ethnic groups or religion. Sometimes, institutions are physical objects or places. World Trade Center an American institution until 9/11/2001.

3. GOVERNMENTS COUNTRY/NATION MORE INSTITUTIONALIZED LESS INSTITUTIONALIZED

4. States A state is a political system that has sovereignty over a population in a particular territory, based on the recognized right to self-determination To become the primary authority over its territory and its people, set laws, resolve disputes between people, and generate security, states need power. In order to posses power, states must be armed with militaries (external sovereignty) and police forces (internal sovereignty).

5. Regimes Regimes are the fundamental rules and norms of politics. Often, regimes are institutions or individuals. – Examples of changes in regimes: French Revolution overthrowing the monarchy South Africans overthrowing apartheid white rule Louis XIV “I am the state” Iraq and Saddam Hussein.

6. Governments Government is the leadership or the elite in charge of running the state. Governments may be democratically elected or it may be ruled by dictators. However they are structured, each government holds its own ideas about freedom and equality and uses the state to realize these ideas. Governments are less institutionalized than states or regimes because they may come and go, whereas, states and regimes tend to have more staying power.

7. Countries A country is what contains all the concepts discussed (state, government, regime) and all the people living within its political system. The ENTIRE political entity and its system.

8. Methods of Political Control Coercion, or compelling behavior by threatening harm. Surveillance allows the government to prevent opposition from organizing and instills uncertainty among the population. Co-optation rewards individuals outside an organization by bringing them into a beneficial relationship with them. They are, thus, dependent on the regime for certain rewards. Personality cults are where the image of a leader is promoted not only as a political figure but as someone who embodies the spirit of the nation.

9. Types of Nondemocratic rule 1. Personal/Monarchial rule rests on the claim that one person alone is fit to rule a country with no clear regime or roles to constrain that person’s rule. Often, this person depends on a collection of supporters within the state who gains direct benefits in return for enforcing the ruler’s will. This is called patrimonialism.

10. Types of Nondemocratic rule 2.Military Rule is, increasingly, more common in states that are struggling with legitimacy and stability and in those where there is a high level of public unrest or violence. In this case, the military sees itself as the only organized force able to ensure stability. 3.. Theocracies are defined as “rule by God.” The faith of the people and its leaders are the foundation for these kinds of political regimes.

11. Types of Nondemocratic rule 3. One-party rule is when a single political part monopolizes politics with other parties banned or excluded from power. The party usually consists of only a small minority of the population and combines itself with larger corporatist regimes of public control. These can be, otherwise, classified as oligarchies. Members of the party are, often, granted privileges that are denied to the public at large. These parties rule because a large group of individuals in society benefit from the regime and are, therefore, willing to defend it. Often, associated with communism and fascism.

12. Communism vs. Socialism Communism Values equality over freedom Believe that the inevitable outcome of competition for scarce resources is that a small group will come to control the government and the economy. (i.e. “the rich”) Advocate a takeover of all resources and abolishing private property to ensure true equality Socialism Values equality of communism BUT promote private ownership of property and free market principles. The state should have a strong role to play in regulating the economy and providing benefits to the public sector.

13. Democracy v Facism Democracy Emphasis on individual political and economic freedom Seek to maximize freedom for all people, including free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of association. Facism Rejects the value of equality. Individuals exist in inferior/superior relationships. The state has the right to mold society and the economy to eliminate obstacles that might weaken it. Historical examples?

14. Illiberal Regimes Illiberal Regimes are those that appear like other established democracies but, procedurally, are not democratic. Democratic rights are not institutionalized or respected. The democratic process is restricted to a great degree. Elections are held without regard to civil liberties/rights/human rights. There is large-scale disenfranchisement, probably on ethnic/racial grounds Access to the media is often restricted State institutions like the judiciary, the military, or state- run industries are under the direct control of government who, then, uses it to control political opposition. Small/weak civil society