🪩Intro to Comparative Politics Unit 14 – Comparing Political Systems: Global Cases

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Political system refers to the set of formal legal institutions that constitute a government or a state
• Sovereignty is the supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference
• Legitimacy is the belief that a government has the right to rule and that citizens have a moral obligation to obey its laws
• Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
• Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives
• Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by the rejection of political plurality, the use of strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in the rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic voting
• Totalitarianism is a form of government that attempts to assert total control over the lives of its citizens, subordinating individual rights to the state and seeking to control all aspects of public and private life
• Hybrid regimes combine democratic and authoritarian elements, often holding elections but limiting political freedoms and civil liberties

Types of Political Systems

• Presidential systems feature a head of government who is also head of state and leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch (United States)
• Parliamentary systems have a head of government who is distinct from the head of state and derives legitimacy from the legislature or parliament (United Kingdom)
• Semi-presidential systems have both a president and a prime minister, with the president usually having more power than in a parliamentary system (France)
• Constitutional monarchies have a monarch as head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution and they rule alongside an elected government (Japan)
• One-party systems allow only one political party to hold power and often restrict opposition parties (China)
• Military dictatorships are ruled by a military leader or junta who often come to power through a coup d'état (Myanmar)
• Theocracies are governed by religious authorities who claim divine guidance and base laws on religious doctrine (Iran)
• Anarchies lack a centralized government and are characterized by the absence of formal political authority (Somalia during the civil war)

Criteria for Comparison

• Degree of political freedom and civil liberties, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion
• Level of political participation and engagement, such as voter turnout, political activism, and civil society organizations
• Separation of powers and checks and balances between branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
• Rule of law and equality before the law, ensuring that all citizens are subject to the same laws and legal processes
• Transparency and accountability of government officials and institutions to the public
• Protection of minority rights and prevention of tyranny of the majority
• Economic performance and development, including GDP growth, income inequality, and poverty reduction
• Social welfare and provision of public goods and services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure

Case Studies: Democratic Systems

• United States: A presidential system with a strong emphasis on checks and balances and individual rights
  • Oldest continuous democracy in the world, with a constitution that has been in place since 1789
  • Two-party system dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties
• Germany: A parliamentary system with a proportional representation electoral system and a strong welfare state
  • Transitioned to democracy after World War II and has since become a leader in the European Union
  • Coalition governments are common due to the multi-party system
• India: The world's largest democracy, with a parliamentary system and a diverse, multi-ethnic population
  • Gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947 and has maintained democratic institutions despite challenges
  • Federal system with a balance of power between the central government and states
• Costa Rica: A presidential system with a long history of political stability and high levels of human development
  • Abolished its military in 1948 and has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and environmental protection
  • Ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world according to the World Happiness Report

Case Studies: Authoritarian Systems

• China: A one-party system led by the Communist Party of China, with a centralized government and a mixed economy
  • Rapid economic growth and poverty reduction since the introduction of market reforms in the 1970s
  • Strict control over political dissent, media, and civil society organizations
• Russia: A semi-presidential system with a strong executive branch and limited political competition
  • Transitioned from a communist system to a market economy in the 1990s, but has seen a concentration of power under President Vladimir Putin
  • Concerns over human rights abuses, media freedom, and interference in foreign elections
• Saudi Arabia: An absolute monarchy with a legal system based on Islamic law (Sharia)
  • Major oil producer and a regional power in the Middle East
  • Limited political and social rights, particularly for women and religious minorities
• North Korea: A totalitarian dictatorship led by the Kim family, with a command economy and a cult of personality around the leader
  • Isolated from the international community and known for its nuclear weapons program and human rights abuses
  • Strict control over all aspects of citizens' lives, including access to information and freedom of movement

Hybrid Regimes and Emerging Trends

• Turkey: A presidential system that has seen a shift towards authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
  • Erosion of democratic institutions, media freedom, and civil liberties in recent years
  • Geopolitically significant due to its location between Europe and the Middle East
• Singapore: A parliamentary system with a dominant party (People's Action Party) that has governed since independence
  • High levels of economic development and quality of life, but limitations on political freedoms and civil liberties
  • Emphasis on meritocracy, pragmatism, and long-term planning in governance
• Brazil: A presidential system that has faced challenges to its democratic institutions in recent years
  • Corruption scandals and political polarization have undermined trust in government
  • Emerging global power with a large economy and a key player in regional politics
• South Africa: A parliamentary system that emerged from apartheid rule in the 1990s and has a dominant party (African National Congress)
  • Challenges include high levels of economic inequality, unemployment, and crime
  • Role model for democratic transitions and reconciliation in Africa

Strengths and Weaknesses of Different Systems

• Democratic systems promote political participation, protect individual rights, and allow for peaceful transfers of power
  • However, they can be prone to gridlock, populism, and short-term thinking
  • Requires an informed and engaged citizenry to function effectively
• Authoritarian systems can provide stability, rapid decision-making, and long-term planning
  • However, they often restrict political and civil liberties, lack accountability, and are prone to corruption and abuse of power
  • Can face challenges to legitimacy and popular support over time
• Hybrid regimes attempt to balance democratic and authoritarian elements, but can be unstable and prone to backsliding
  • May hold elections but limit meaningful competition and political freedoms
  • Can be vulnerable to external pressures and internal conflicts
• No single system is perfect, and the effectiveness of a political system depends on factors such as historical context, cultural norms, and institutional design
  • Successful systems adapt to changing circumstances and maintain legitimacy and popular support over time
  • Failures can lead to political instability, economic crises, and social unrest

Global Implications and Current Debates

• The spread of democracy and the challenges to democratic consolidation in developing countries
  • Role of international organizations and foreign aid in promoting democracy and good governance
  • Debate over the universality of democratic values and the potential for alternative models of governance
• The rise of populist and nationalist movements in established democracies
  • Challenges to liberal democratic norms and institutions, such as independent media and the rule of law
  • Debate over the causes and consequences of political polarization and the erosion of trust in government
• The geopolitical implications of the competition between democratic and authoritarian systems
  • Influence of great powers such as the United States, China, and Russia on global governance and regional stability
  • Debate over the future of the liberal international order and the potential for a more multipolar world
• The impact of technology and globalization on political systems and citizen engagement
  • Role of social media and digital platforms in shaping public opinion and political mobilization
  • Debate over the regulation of technology companies and the protection of privacy and civil liberties in the digital age