Please complete 2 of the following questions. (Each answer should be roughly 375 words or 1.5 pages or 4 paragraphs.) Be as specific as possible drawing on materials from class discussions and the readings. Please remember, I am not interested in your opinions. I want a full discussion of the issues based on the work of the authors you have read. After you have thoroughly discussed the views of the experts, then you might add your insights on the topic.
MODDERNIZATION AND POSTMODERNIZATION/POSTMATERIALISM
1- Discuss Inglehart’s theory of “postmodernization” or “postmaterialism,” especially as it affects politics. Also, what are the five key elements in the “Postmaterialist” shift? (You must read the assigned chapter, not merely the 2016 update.)
ETHNICITY AND NATIONALISM
2-Ehnicity is not the same as a nation; and for many political communities, the relation between the two can prove troubling. Please define these two concepts and discuss the relationship between them in the three “varieties of nationalism” we find in the modern world (Greenfield).
DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONS
3-First, is there one predictable pattern of democratic transitions for all newly changing countries (Carothers)? Second, discuss with examples the five faulty assumptions in the paradigm. Third, what are some of his final suggestions for promoting democracy abroad?
AUTHORITARIANISM
4-Why have China, Russia, and the MENA region not been part of the “Third Wave of Democracy (Nathan, McFaul, Zakaria)?” Pick two of these three cases and discuss in detail.
POLITICAL PARTIES
5-How might we describe political parties using classifications that work all around the world (i.e. five major types/genera of parties with a total of 15 species)? Discuss each type of party and then species in detail with real world examples (Gunther and Diamond).
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
6-A constitution is perhaps the most basic political institution. How might a constitution be written to maximize power-sharing in divided societies (Lijphart)? Give real world examples of countries that have used specific choices in constitutions discussed by the author.