Introduction to Comparative PoliticsFall 2013Final Exam 280.docx

Introduction to Comparative Politics
Fall 2013
Final Exam 280
Instructions.
Answer the following essays (the essays selected for the final
exam will be determined by the instructor). You may use your
lecture notes, power points and class reading assignments.
There is no limit to how much you may write one each question,
taking into account the two-hours allotted for the exam. Good
luck.
1. What are the basic precepts of Marxist political theory
(explain Marx’s theory of revolution in dealing with this
question). How was Marx’s political theory modified in practice
by Lenin and Stalin?
2. What factors gave rise to totalitarian regimes in Russia and
Eastern Europe? (make sure you integrate the lecture and
readings in this question and consider the importance of Stalin’s
“Socialism in one country” policy)
3. According to Hauss, what are the political characteristics of
communist regimes? (discuss the relationship of party to
government and state, the role of ideology, political parties and
elections).
4. Based on the lecture, power points and the text, what do you
think are the prospects for democracy and capitalism in the
post Communist political systems (Russia, the former Soviet
Republics and Eastern European countries like Poland)? Explain
how the transition experiences from communism in these
countries affect the degree of political support for capitalism
and democracy in those countries today ?

5. The Chinese revolution occurred in a rural country with a
weak central government and which had been invaded or
occupied by foreign powers over a period of a century.
According to Hauss and the lectures, how did those
circumstances affect the way the Chinese communists went
about trying to put Marxist ideas and ideals into practice?
6. List three developments in China that lead many political
scientists to the conclusion that it may no longer be warranted
to call China ‘s political system “totalitarian” in the post Mao
era .
7. Compare China and the U.S. in terms of how societal
interests are aggregated and influence the political system in
both countries. Include Hauss and the lectures in the discussion
of the limits on interest group participation in politics
(economic, religious etc).
8. Using the lectures and Hauss, discuss the structure of the
Chinese part- state in the post Mao era? Include in this
discussion an explanation of where power resides in policy
making evaluation the role of the executive, legislature, courts
etc.
9. According to the Wang article and the lectures, what is the
role of private enterprise in China today?
10. Compare and contrast the powers of the French President
and British Prime Minister in the decision making function.
Based on this comparison, which political office has the
greatest power vested in it by the constitution? Include in this
discussion the information from the lectures and Hauss
11. Being careful to explain Lipset’s and Hauss’ thesis of

American exceptionalism, to what extent do you think that
American politics today is similar to or different from that of
the UK or France?
12. According to the Wang article, “the Problems of State
Weakness”, in what sense is the “weakness” of the Chinese
state today damaging the country’s prospects for becoming a
full-fledged democracy?
Comparative Politics:
Domestic Responses to Global Challenges, Seventh Edition
by Charles Hauss
Chapter 5: France
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Chapter Cover Slide – book cover, book title, chapter number,
chapter title
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able toDescribe
the main developments in French political historyIdentify the
political divisions that created stalemate before the Fifth
RepublicDescribe the changes the Fifth Republic’s constitution
brought to the French regime and political cultureDescribe the
centralization of French government and politicsIdentify the
parties and interest groups that play significant roles in French
politicsDescribe the general political positions of those parties
and interest groupsExplain the effects of proportional, plurality,
and majority/second round-ballot electoral systems have on
parties and on the partisan make-up of legislaturesDefine
“integrated elite” and provide examples from French political
cultureExplain the role of grandes ecoles in the integration of
the eliteCompare the integration of elites in France with the
integration of elites in other countries studiedDescribe how
economic policies have dominated French politicsIdentify the
major policy issues facing the French government today
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Chapter Learning Objectives

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Crise? Quelle Crise?
Despite a history of protest, France has avoided most of the
problems from the recession experienced by the U.S., U.K., and
GermanyHowever, some banks were involved in risky lending
2009 French students and workers went on strike The crise
poses no threat to the regime President Sarkozy an “eccentric
conservative,” not part of elite
Crise? Quelle Crise?
In the 1950’s the average French government lasted nine months
Fifth Republic of 1958 is a stable regime despite tradition of
protestCharles De GaulleOne “welcomed” vote of no
confidence2007 presidential election

Thinking about France
Key questionsWhy did the establishment of stable democracy
take so long?How did de Gaulle’s changes to the country’s
institutions and social, political, and economic processes
contribute to the creation of an effective democratic state?What
is the impact of the influential elite whose roots lie in the
bureaucracy?Why has the French economy proven more
resistant to reform over the past twenty years than the British?
Thinking about France
The basics:France is a large European countryUntil recently, it
has had a relatively homogeneous population90% Roman
Catholic (most unobservant) and 8% MuslimParis dominates
FranceAn affluent countryLeading economic and technological
power
Figure 5.1 Traditional Republican Politics in France
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Table 5.1
The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of Turmoil

Transformation and division 15th-century centralizationNot
isolated from wars of Europe (like British isles)Revolution of
1789 reinforced centralizationJacobinsMade political power of
church officials an issue
Transformation and division 19th and 20th centuries anticlerical
left and proclerical right Democratic traditions1789 Declaration
of Rights of Man Universal suffrage for men after the
Revolution of 1848Industrial RevolutionFragmented political
opinion (many parties)Fragmented economy (no unified
economic right wing)
Traditional republican politics: A vicious circleSix major
ideological groupsResulted in deadlocked parliament President
and prime minister could not dissolve parliamentDifficult issues
remained unsolved Politicians were self serving Centralized
bureaucracy French questioned regime

*
Table 5.2
From the Fourth to the Fifth RepublicDiscredited Third
Republic became model for Fourth after WWIIBrief prosperity
with de Gaulle’s provisional government, established ENA
Ineffective government could not respond to post-war economic,
social, and political changeRevolt from army and settlers in
Algeria brought regime to an end
The Evolution of the French State: Centuries of TurmoilFrom
the Fourth to the Fifth RepublicCharles de Gaulle given power
to deal with the rebellion and revise the constitution Fifth
Republic in place when de Gaulle left office in 1969
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Table 5.3
French Political Culture: From Alienation to Consensus

Taming political protestEvents of May 1968Turning point in
legitimizing Fifth RepublicDe Gaulle used a new power and
dissolved the National Assembly, ending the crisisDifferent
from past protest movements: Groups had common adversary in
the stateNo one questioned legitimacy of the Fifth Republic, but
advocated policy changesIn 1971 Mitterand’s socialist party
adopted platform of reforms
Taming political protestNeo-Socialists and Neo-
GaullistsElectoral success of Socialists in ’81 legitimized
oppositionTransition to Socialist-led government legitimized
regime
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Table 5.4
New divisionsRaceUnassimilated immigrant communities still
alienatedViolent protests in Parisian suburbs – 2005 Activity of
National Front and other anti-immigrant groups

New divisionsThe EUReferenda on EU issues display French
ambivalence toward further integrationSame groups who feel
threatened by immigrants oppose integration with Europe
Political Participation
Renewing the party systemInstead of fragmentation, party
system formed by left and right coalitions. From 1962 on,
either coalition has won a majority of seats in the National
Assembly and the presidency Catch-all parties
Renewing the party system: the MajorityGaullist: Right leaning,
frequently changed nameFirst disciplined partyRegularly wins
at least ¼ of the vote Committed to legacy of De Gaulle
Focused appeal around single leaderSlowest to adopt rhetoric of
market capitalismIndependent republicans and Union for French
democracy

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Table 5.5
*
Table 5.6
Renewing the party system: The leftSocialist Party (PS)Strong
party during first half of 20th century, declined after
WWIIMitterand the force behind Socialist change and
successChampioned autogestion Alliance with PCF Won
presidency in 19811980’s no clear policy agenda Party in need
of another renewal- 2007 election Hollande and Royal
Renewing the party system: The leftCommunist Party (PCF)
Born Christmas 1920, group of socialists who supported the
Bolshevik RevolutionGained support during World War II 20-
25% of the vote in the 1970’s PCF did not change views, less
than 2% of the vote in 2007

Renewing the party systemThe National FrontAnti-democratic,
super-nationalistic party of far rightRides anti-immigrant fears
to some electoral successJean-Marie Le Pen
Renewing the party system Minor partiesGreensFar leftParties
that participate in an election and then fadeRarely win 10% of
popular vote
Why these changes happened: The French electoral
systemProportional representation of the pastEasy for small
parties to win seats The two-ballot system and single-member
districtsAny legislative candidate can contest the run-off
election if they get 12.5% of vote or withdraw and support
someone else Direct election of the president, two candidates on
run-off ballot

Parity: A victory for feminism?Manifesto of 577 Parity Law:
Constitutional amendment requires parties to run equal numbers
of male and female candidates in proportional electionsOnly
19% of National Assembly is female
Interest groupsGrassroots groups are small and rarely
coordinatedUnions still active and influential, but
fragmentedBusiness interests promoted more through informal,
personal relationships
The French State
A new constitution for a new stateStrong presidentEmergency
powersCan call a referendumDirectly elected by a majorityCan
dissolve parliament and call for new electionsLarge personal
staff
The French State
A new constitution for a new stateStrong government and
weakened legislatureCabinet would not have to submit a vote of
investiture Government defeated in a vote of no confidence only
by absolute majority Incompatibility clause Government could
demand a bloc vote Government could rule by decreePresident
De Gaulle appointed the prime minister As a result, the National

Assembly functions as smoothly as the House of Commons
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Table 5.7
The French State
A new constitution for a new stateTop bureaucrats recruited for
cabinet postsCohabitation threatened gridlock, but pragmatic
politicians agreed on a workable systemSenateIndirectly elected
mainly by local officialsCan object to proposals, but National
Assembly position prevails if no agreement is reached
Figure 5.2: The Legislative Process in France
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Figure 5.1

The French State
The integrated eliteBureaucrats politically powerfulFormer
bureaucrats lead parties and large corporationsENA links them
all togetherStrong iron triangle Socialists have tried to enact
reforms to limit elitism
Figure 5.3: The Iron Triangle
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Figure 5.2
The French State
Local government Appointed prefects controlled local
government until 1981 Tutelle – extreme oversight of local
decisions by French governmentSome decentralization under
Socialist governmentsAbolished Tuelle Elected departmental
and regional council heads
The French State
The courtsCour des comptes: country’s chief financial
investigator Conseil d’ estat: jurisdiction over the state and its
actions No judicial reviewConstitutional Council reviews
constitutionality of bills before they become law

The French State
The changing role of the statePower of civil society has
grownCohabitation, the absence of proposals for dramatic
change, less charismatic leaders, and scandal have reduced the
power of the presidencyGlobal and European forces impinge on
policy making
Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur
Economic policyLes Trentes Glorieuses: rapid growth under
government direction between WWII and 1973Nationalization
and consolidation of corporationsThe Gaullists relied on
discretionary tax rates, investment credits, subsidies, and other
state funds Improved standard of living
Public Policy:
Economic policyEconomic decline after OPEC oil
embargoSocialists abandoned nationalization goals in 1980’sBy
1988, left/right consensus was privatizationPublic utilities
nationalizedState holds stock in many companies

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Table 5.8
Public Policy:
Economic Policy State plays less dominant role in society than
it did a quarter century ago Leading growth in 1990’s in the
high-tech sector Economy is being shaped by European and
global financial dynamics
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Table 5.9

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Table 5.9
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Table 5.9
Public Policy:
The politics of headscarvesFrance guarantees individual rights
to everyoneSecular government, centralization, and egalitarian
ideals remainDecember 2004—Chirac announced plan to ban
conspicuous religious symbols in pubic schools (including
headscarves for Muslim girls)
Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur Foreign policy: France has pursued its
national interest that at times have been at odds with the United
States and Great Britain De Gaulle’s post-WWII goal to restore
French prominence in world politicsCreated nuclear arsenalDid

not blindly accept U.S. Cold War policy Opposed British entry
into the Common Market
Public Policy:
The Pursuit of Grandeur Foreign policySince OPEC embargo,
policy has been more aligned with other European
powersEuropean Integration has divided parties, not widely
popular in France Iraq: objection to U.S. methods
Feedback
Parisian dominated press and broadcast mediaLe
MondeGovernment influence on media has declined since
privatizationTabloid press less influential than in Great Britain
Access to European and global cable and satellite providers
reduces influence of French media Pollsters not allowed to
publish findings in the week before an election; Internet has
made enforcement difficult Conclusion: In Sarkoland
The United States
Introduction to Comparative Politics:
Chapter 3

Dr. Fernandez
1
Learning Objectives
Identify the cultural, social and political influences on the
development of a weak state
Identify the causes of the development of American
exceptionalism and its influence on the American regime
Identify contributions of American political thought to
democratic thought and the American regime
2
American Exceptionalism
Weak state
Rugged Invidualism and Work Ethic
Egalitarianism, Low deference to traditional authority
Religious beliefs with Separation of Church and State
Patriotism
Low Participation and Distrust of Government
American creed

3
The Weak American State
4
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Culture
Bill of Rights and Enumerated Powers
Weak State

Time Line of U.S. Political Development
5
1607-1776
1776-1789
Establishment of American Regime and State
Foundations of American Culture and Society
1803-1860’s
Landed Expansion, the Mexican American War and the Civil
War
1875-1930
Industrialization, the development of laissez faire and the Weak
state

1930-1970’s
The rise of the interventionist state-the Great Depression, WW2
and the Great Society
1970’s to 2008
Neoliberalism and the return to a weak state
Political Parties in the U.S.Post Civil WarDepression and World
War 2RepublicansLaissez faire capitalism with progressive
policies to moderate capitalism. Party of business, farmers,
freed slavesLaissez faire capitalism, protection from
international trade. Defend corporations from the New Deal
reforms. (eg. Less progressive income taxes. Lower corporate
rates, support for business). DemocratsParty of “outs” ethnic
immigrants, labor movement, urban African Americans. Limit
the negative effects of capitalism on the outsReform capitalism
by expanding government role in managing business cycles and
expanding labor and consumer rights and protections.

6
Political Parties in the U.S.Post WW 2 -1960’sLate 1970’s to
todayReform capitalism, but slow the rate of growth of
government influence over the economy. Appeal to western
farmers, small business and large manufacturing corporation.
Party of free trade.Traditional values (self reliance,
pragamatism can do attitudes) and Neo liberalism—
deregulation, lower taxes and privatize government functions.
With New Right, Republicans place a greater focus on cultural
issues. Americans divided and more contentiousReform
capitalism and increase the rate of growth of government
influence over the economy. Agree on free trade (but support
for labor requires more strings). Pursue new public purposes
through regulation of the corporation: ( group rights )
affirmative action, school integration, equal opportunity for
women and environmental regulations. The big tent gets
smaller. Appeal to coalition of African Americans, women,
young (anti Viet nam war movement) and middle class
professionals, urban secular votersAdopt elements of neo-
liberalism. Adopt the Third way. This means-Reform the
welfare state but keep it to protect the outs (new groups now
include Latinos, minorities and new groups such as gays and
lesbians)
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Framework for Comparison
280 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Dr. Fernandez
1
2
monarchy TyrannyaristocracyOligarchy/plutocracypolity./mixed
constitutiondemocracy
Aristotle’s Classification of Political Systems
Whose interest
Majority
Few
who rules
one
Few

Many
3
The State
The State: All institutions and individuals that exercise power
Power: The ability to get people or groups to do what they
otherwise would not do
Government: Set of institutions and people authorized by formal
documents to pass laws and issue regulations
Does the government hold all of the power in a state?
4
The State
Other aspects of the state:
Governance: The exercise of political authority and the use of
institutional resources to manage society’s problems and affairs
Regime: Practices that endure from government to government
What does “regime change” mean?
Nation: Cultural and linguistic identities that tie people together

5
6
Table 1.1
The State
Industrialized democracies: Have the most resources and
strongest built-in restraints on power
Current and former communist regimes: Characterized by
central control that reinforces hostility
Less Developed Countries: Very poor, unstable states
Newly industrializing countries
7

The State
Strong states take on more responsibilities, carry them out more
effectively, and regimes have widespread support
What types of states are considered strong?
Weak states cannot effectively carry out public policy
Repression only strengthens in the short term
8
YearDemocracies (competitive parties)Non-Democracies (one
party or no party)Percent democratic nation
states1942124920%1962367533%2000597145%
Democratic and Authoritarian States in Modern World
9
Popular sovereignty
Majority rule
Political Equality
Political Rights
Civil liberties
Authority from multiple sources –heredity, ideology , religion--
Rule by minority
Selection of leaders non transparent limited rightsMix , limited
rights and liberties,

Elections to choose leaders, seldom definitivePresidential (US)
Parliamentary (UK, Germany, Canada)Communist one party
systems
Theocracies
Military dictatorshipsTransitional cases such as post communist
countries, many developing countries
Hauss Framework : Types of States I
Characteristics of regimes: relationship of state to society
authoritarian
features
subtypes
democracies
hybrid
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Divided and ineffective elites
Lack of resources to fund state programs (underdeveloped
economies, ineffective or poorly resourced states)
Poorly trained or corrupt bureaucracies
Broad scope of authority and responsibility given to state in
economyUnified and highly coherent policy making
Well resourced governments and states (Developed and affluent
economies, stable tax revenues)
Efficient, highly trained and qualified administrative elites
Accountable adminstrations
Limited scope of responsibilityCapitalist democracies
Third world countriesSocialist democracies
Newly industrializing countries like S. Korea
Hauss Framework : Types of States II
Characteristics of state institutions: relationship of state to
economy

strong
features
subtypes
weak
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Figure 1.1 The Political System
12
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2 The Impact of Global and Domestic Forces on the
State
13

Political Parties, Elections, Interest Groups: Input Function in
American Politics
Comparative Politics
1
Two party system (Democrats and Republicans regularly get
75% or more of the vote in elections)
Third parties playing a role in times of crisis. Usually co-opted
by one of the two dominant parties
Non ideological parties (“catch all” parties) prevail (at least
until recently)
Characteristics of U.S.Political Parties
2
Focus is on forming broad coalition to win elections more than
ideological orientation
Both parties characterized by loose coalition of interests with

varied interests often at odds with others in the big tent.
Examples of Republicans during the Progressive era and
Democrats during the New Deal
Republican and Democratic Party Coalitions
3
Moderate Republicans and Moderate and Left leaning
Democrats would unite to pass legislation such as Medicare and
Great Society Program that expanded role of government in
economy
Coalition of Democrats and Republican moderates and liberals
broadly accepted the idea of a mixed economy along the lines of
FDR. Nixon famously said “we are all Keynesians now”
Coalition backed civil rights legislation
Party System Led to Cross-Cutting Coalitions Across Party
Lines
4
1980 elections a pivotal realignment of political parties
Parties become more ideological as their base of support
changes.
Democrats “big tent” reflects new social movements of the
“New Left” and demographics
Republicans reflect countermovement of the :New Right”

Turn to Ideological Parties?
5
Change in Party Composition In the NeoLiberal Era
6
The Financial Crisis of 2008
Deficits expanded, unemployment, and housing prices
collapsed.
Income inequality has been getting worse under neoliberalism
and middle class in crisis
Tea Party Movement shifts Republicans to Right
What’s difference today?
2008 elections: More polarized political system?
7
Larger percent of voters are independent of either party, voter

turnout has been declining with blips along the way. More
Americans in polls say they distrust politicians and political
parties. And levels of cynicism in political institutions and
leaders , the media and business and labor, have grown since the
1980’s
Prospects for Parties and Democracy?
Civic Culture in Trouble?
8
by Charles Hauss
Chapter 8:
Current and Former Communist Regimes

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Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
• identify the basic characteristics of Marxist-Leninist
states.
• describe the creation and evolution of Marxist nation-
states.
• explain briefly the socialist critique of capitalism.
• explain briefly the Marxist critique of liberal democracy.
• identify the primary factors that brought an end to most
Marxist states.
• identify the reforms initiated by former President
Gorbachev and explain why they failed to save the Soviet
Union.
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The basics

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The basics
Crisis? What Crisis? In former communist states, few people
want to return to communist rule People miss the security of the
party Some former communist states joined EU and NATO;
turning economic corner Few protest new regimes where
democracy has taken rootPoverty and ethnic conflict in some
states Eurasian countries are in midst of transition for which
there is no real precedent
Thinking about the Current and Former Communist
RegimesWeaknesses of communist regimes appeared by
1980sStates relaxed repressive policiesFactional disputes
divided Chinese rulersMikhail Gorbachev became leader of
USSR
Thinking about the Current and Former Communist
RegimesFormer communist states declared themselves
democraciesTransitions very difficultCountries that have joined
EU and NATO have made progress politically and

economicallyChina, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cuba remain
communist regimes
Thinking about Communism
Marxist-Leninist regimes: Former USSR in 1917 Eastern
Europe—“Satellite States” after WWII Asia—China 1949 Cuba
1959 Several Marxist-like regimes in North Africa, Arabia, and
South America
The Leninist stateCommunist Party controlled all political
lifeDemocratic centralism was regime paradigmUntil 1950s,
USSR controlled “Communist World”China and USSR split in
late ‘50s offered an alternative model
Command economiesGovernment owned and controlled nearly
all industrial and retail activityState planning committees
determined output and consumption goalsBenefits of command
economies began diminishing in late ‘80s, planning and
coercion could not stimulate innovation

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Table 8.1
Thinking about CommunismKey questionsWhat contemporary
and historical, domestic and international forces shaped their
development?How are decisions made in these countries?What
role do average citizens play in policy making?What are the
public policies?How is political life affected by global
forces?How could regimes that seemed so strong collapse so
quickly?What have some communist systems survived? What
are the political implications of economic reform in countries
that have kept communism and in those that have abandoned
it?Why are they all facing much more serious domestic and
global challenges than any of the countries covered in Part 2?
Socialism, Marxism, LeninismSocialismCapitalism leads to
inequality Equality of outcome necessary Public ownership of
means of productionFreedoms are vital, but democracy should
be expanded Capitalism does not allow humans to realize their
potential Public ownership would improve human relations

Socialism, Marxism, LeninismMarxismDialectic—evolution of
society when basic values are challenged Historical
materialism—distribution of economic power Contradictions—
people will not accept being exploited and will revolt
Bourgeoisie vs. ProletariatAlienation of the proletariat
Revolution—but not long because the proletariat overwhelms
the capitalists Dictatorship of the proletariat Communism
Figure 8.1: Base, Superstructure, and Contradictions, According
to Marx
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Figure 8.1
Figure 8.2: The Role of Money in Feudalism and Capitalism
*
Figure 8.1
Socialism, Marxism, LeninismMarxism-LeninismDemocratic
centralismRevolutions did not occur in advanced industrialized

societies ExpansionThird International (Comintern)Eastern
EuropeAsiaStalinism—totalitarianism
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Table 8.2
Socialism, Marxism, LeninismDe-StalinizationKhrushchev’s
“secret speech” (1956)Slight loosening of intellectual
controlsKhrushchev replaced by a series of hardline leaders who
resisted change after Cuban Missile Crisis Brezhnev era of more
control and economic stagnationNo longer a unified communist
movementNeed to change grew at a time leaders were trying to
prevent change
The Marxist-Leninist StateThe party stateSecretariatPolitburo
and General Secretary NomenklaturaAll groups were communist
groups Communism was about the party leaders, not Marx’s
intentionControl not as absolute in Eastern Europe

The Marxist-Leninist StateThe party state in ChinaMao objected
to de-Stalinization Cultural revolution 1965After Mao’s death
in 1976, moderates led economic change but not political
The Marxist-Leninist StateThe graying of communism:
“thumbs” and “fingers”Leaders found it difficult to continue to
control societies, especially with media, Western tourists, and a
better educated public “Lack of fingers” resulted in a poor
standard of living Even military laggedCommunist countries in
an even deeper economic bind with a globalizing economy
The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public Policy
Reform: Too Little, Too LateGorbachev reforms to “revitalize”
communism Glasnost: Openness in a political system
Democratization of the partyPerestroika: Economic
restructuring New thinking in foreign policyChange and
resistance in Eastern Europe: cultural change occurred more
rapidly
*

Table 8.3
The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public Policy
1989: The Year That Changed the WorldSolidarity in
PolandOpening the Iron Curtain in HungaryEmigration and
protest in East Germany, fall of Berlin Wall in
1989Czechoslovakia’s “Velvet Revolution”Violent revolution in
RomaniaMassive protest in Tiananmen Square1991—fall of
communism in former USSR, Boris Yeltsin
The Crisis of Communism: Suicide by Public PolicyThe
remnants of the communist worldA few parties and governments
are willing to continue to use forceCountries too poor and too
closed to outside influencesMost had been outside Soviet
Union’s sphere of influence for some time
TransitionsEconomies hit rock bottom and began to recover by
the middle or late 1990’sOnly a handful have made major
progress toward democracy or capitalism

*
Table 8.4
TransitionsRelative Success: Eastern and Central
EuropeHungary as an example: Relative ethnic
homogeneityEconomic progress with reformCommunist leaders
made common cause with opposition (pacting)
TransitionsTroubled transitions: The former Soviet UnionNo
real shift of power to new leadersGreat problems with
corruptionEthnic conflictThe former YugoslaviaRussian war
with rebels in Chechnya
Transitions
What's Left of Marxism?North Korea and Cuba have maintained
Marxist-Leninist systemsCountries are among the poorest in the
world
China and Vietnam have reformed economiesMonopoly power
of Communist Parties remainsCountries are among the poorest
in the world

FeedbackMarxist-Leninist regimes controlled all
mediaAuthorities kept Western media out Loosening of controls
in 1980s Russian state still controls the media, but the press is
relatively open Radio, satellite television, cell phones, and the
Internet have made controls much more difficult
Conclusion: The End of the Cold War important becauseCold
War determined the evolution of communist and non-communist
statesCommunist past vital to understanding present of
communist and former communist states today
Dr. Fernandez
Cuba
2013
Island Nation

Cuba Today
Geography
Area - slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper,
salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land
Proximity to the US, a fact that has shaped Cuban culture and
politics since the country was a Spanish colony through
independence and revolution. Diana Nyad photo, 60 yr old
woman swims from varadero to keys.
3
4
People and society, stereotypes
People and society

People
Population: 11,394,043 (July 2007 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.8
15-64 years: 70.5%
65 over 11% (US 13.7%)
Median age: total: 36.3 years
Population growth rate: 0.273% (2007 est.)
6
Cubais a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and
Africa.
Racial and Race and Ethnicity
mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%
ethnic diversity of population
7
People and society
Ethnic diversity, Chinese and Japanese

Chinese community mausoleum for distinguished Chinese-
cubans
9
People and society: religion
Religions:nominally 85% Roman Catholic .Protestants,
Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented
Before revolution, mostly catholic, now becoming more
diverse. Government tolerant of religious diversity since 90’s as
long as not directly involved in political work.
10
Religion and Politics
Overseeing Habana marble statue of Jesus
11
Religion and society

Baptist church by U of Habana
12
People and society
Habana neighborhoods, city is divided into neighborhoods:
vedadado, Old Habana, marianao, artemisa, Habana downtown
etc.
13
People and society
Vedado street scene, poor infrastructure—road conditions, is
common, like most LDC countries. Lack investment in
infrastructure.
14
People and society
Old Habana better off, restoration due to UN World Heritage
Fund which has invested in historic preservation
15
People and society

Old habana
16
17
People and society
Transportation system
Public transportation is reasonable by busses and cabs, with
large number of cabs fleet being vintage 1950 vehicles from US.
Easy to get around, most cab fares in city cost about $3 dollars
18
People and society
Note gas is subsidized by Venezuela. Pay 1.20 a liter in Cuban

currency or about $ 2 a gallon
Car is Russian Lada, from 1970’s, most Cubans who have cars
own American models from 50’s and Russian ones from 60’s
and 70’s
19
People and Society
China-Cuba relations close, Chinese providing loans for
improving transportation system—busses and cabs
Plans to replace the dilapidated fleet of taxis with Chinese made
cars.
20
Infrastructure Outside of Habana
Strategic bridge connects Habana province with Matanzas
province
Infrastructure serves military needs is much better.
21
Sports and Culture
Sport is Cuba's national passion. Baseball is by far the most

popular; other sports and pastimes in Cuba include basketball,
volleyball, cricket, and athletics. Cuba is the dominant force in
amateur boxing, Cuban music is very rich and is the most
commonly known expression of culture.
The "central form" of this music is Son, which has been the
basis of many other musical styles like salsa, rumba and
mambo. Havana, the Cuban capitol, was the heart of the rap
scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990sCuban cuisine is a
fusion of Spanish and Caribbean cuisines. Cuban recipes share
spices and techniques with Spanish cooking. The typical meal
could consist of plantains, black beans and rice, ropa vieja
(shredded beef), Cuban bread, pork with onions, and tropical
fruits. Black beans and rice, referred to as Platillo Moros y
Cristianos
22
History and Culture
Colony of spain until 1898, Spanish-American war Cuba
transferred to US as protectorate and became “independent” in
1902
23
Morro castle and Cabana
Cont’d

Cont’d
Cont’d
National Opera and Ballet in Old Habana, from pre Rev days.
Restored with help of UN World Heritage Fund
27
Cont’d
Economy:Basics
Cuba ranked by CIA as 117/229 in per capita gdp in 2012
Similar to Thailand and Ecuador.
Estimated about $10,000 in purchasing parity, because much of
basic consumption such as food, housing, medicine is
subsidized
Wages are low (about $50 a month, on average, so not much for
private consumption)
Country’s exports are sugar and derivatives, medical services

and tourist services
Cuba faces "massive" problems including a large public debt,
dependence on Venezuela, an aging population, decades of brain
drain and one of the world's slowest Internet connections
After Cuban revolution, government nationalized private
properties, domestic and foreign, and instituted a Soviet style
planned economy substituting government planning for demand
and supply. Focus on collective goods such as free education
and medicine and guaranteed basic food rations. Incomes are
very low. Average Cubans make about 300-400 pesos a month,
or equivalent of about $50 dollars a month.
29
Economy and economic reforms
Basically earnings from its exports are sugar and derivatives,
tourism, and medical services to Brazil, Venezuela, varios
Middle East countries,---, over 30,000 Cuban medical services
personnel abroad repatriate salaries back to Island and Cuba
compensated for services
Legendario rum best known in Cuba, handcrafted
30
Cont’d

Cont’d
Rum factories
32
Cont’d: Joint ventures in tourist industry (Spain/Cuba)
Since Raul Castro came to power in 2008 as President,
economic reforms undertaken to make economy more productive
and efficient, including attracting foreign investment,
establishing tax free zones (as in China to encourage foreign
investors), encouraging small businesses and private
cooperatives, supporting free labor markets with over 200
categories of jobs in services and retail classified as self
employment jobs, moving away from state employment which
used to account for 95% of all jobs.
33
Cont’d
Hotel built by US Investors in 50’s, now state owned
34

Cont’d: Cuba/Canada nickel refinery
Economic Reforms: Cooperatives and Microenterprises
Economic Reforms: Cooperatives and Microenterprises
Farmers cooperatives and independent farmers encouraged to
sell food at market prices (demand and supply) after they meet
contractual obligations with government contracts for basic
staples “libretas”
37
Microenterprises: “pensiones and paladares”
Challenges with economic reforms

Irregular and diminished payment to foreign companies due to
financial downturn after 2008 impact on tourism, raw material
exports
Corruption issues
Rule of law is poorly developed, targeting of business by
zealous bureaucrats of foreign investors residing on the Island
and their Cuban business representatives creates uncertainty
Micro enterprises subject to conflicting and arbitrary
regulations (independent cab drivers told can transport someone
outside of Habana, but cannot bring anyone back on return trip)
Politics
Since revolution of 1959, country ruled by one party under
leadership of Castro brothers. Some political institutions exist
like a legislature, but power in Party and top leadership. Cubans
vote, but indirectly thru workplaces and community
organizations run by party for representatives to people’s
Congress
41
Politics
Cuba one party state, communist political system
42

Political reforms??
Similar to China, the CCP seeks to retain political control while
carrying our economic reforms, but is instituting some China
like reforms
proposed that politicians be limited to two five-year terms in an
effort to rejuvenate a political system dominated by aging
loyalists of the revolution. This happened in China in 80’s
Behind the scenes, Raul Castro has led an anti-corruption
campaign and replaced many of Fidel's confidantes with loyal
military officials who earned his trust during his four plus
decades as the nation's armed forces chief.
Problem that military is in charge of key state enterprises in
tourism, energy sector, construction and other key areas.
Raises questions about the limits to economic and political
reforms should they threaten the interest of top military ranks.
U.S. Cuban Relations
Historically US and Cuba were close allies
Since Cuban Revolution and Cold War there has have been no
official state to state diplomatic relations
Cuba is under trade embargo from US. First declared by JFK.
Renewed by Helms-Burton
Country is listed on State Department’s list of terrorist states

Plaza de la visa
46
by Charles Hauss
Chapter 4: Great Britain

*
Chapter Cover Slide – book cover, book title, chapter number,
chapter title
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:explain
how the economic problems faced by Britain have had such
dramatic political consequences.define and give examples of
gradualism within the context of British political
history.describe examples of the changes made by Prime
Ministers Thatcher and Major to the political/economic culture
of Britain.describe how “New Labour” differed from “Old
Labour” and from Thatcherism.identify 4-6 major developments
in the creation of the current regime.describe the basic elements
of the collectivist consensus.describe several ways in which the
civic culture of the collectivist consensus broke down in the
1970s.
Learning Objectives, continued
After studying this chapter, students should also be able
to:explain why the three major parties in Britain are considered
“catch-all” parties today.identify the main characteristics of the
Conservative Party that ensured its success and
survival.describe the conflict between ideological and pragmatic

politics within the Labour Party that eventually led to Tony
Blair’s election as party leader.explain in general terms how
interest groups function in Britain.explain the roles of the
parliamentary party, the shadow cabinet, and collective
responsibility in the functioning of Commons.describe the
basics of the debates in Britain over the country’s relationship
with Europe.
The Blair Decade
In 2008, the British government nationalized Northern Rock.
The government gained a majority of seats on the Royal Bank of
Scotland (RBS) board of directors in 2008.The economy shrank
by 0.6% in the last six months of 2008. The British government
introduced a stimulus package.
Thinking about Britain:
The basicsOne of world’s most densely populated countriesNo
longer an “all white” countryWelfare state is still strongSocial
class remains a powerful force
Thinking about Britain:Gradualism- democracy evolved over
centuries Post WWII collectivist consensus- mixed economy
and welfare stateOnly in recent years has its power started to

decline
Thinking about Britain
Four Themes: Britain has suffered from less unrest and has had
a more consensual history than any other country. Britain’s
relative economic standing declined dramatically in the second
half of the 20th century. The conservative governments of
Margaret Thatcher and John Major in the 1980’s and 1990’s
redefined political life. Impact of Blair and the “New Labour”
Party
*
Table 4.1
The Evolution of the British State
Sequential, rather than simultaneous, tasks of BritishBuilding
the nation stateDefining the role of religionEstablishing liberal
democracyIndustrial revolutionMaintained legitimacy without
constitution

Broad Sweep of British History
British State dates back to the Magna Carta Reformation and
Henry VIII Two Revolutions in the 17th Century paved the way
for Parliamentary DemocracyBill of rights Act of Settlement
1701Industrial Revolution resulted in working class demanding
political changeGreat Reform Act of 1832Late 1860’s brought
greater electoral reformIn 1911 House of Lord stripped of
power
*
Table 4.2
The Collectivist Consensus During WWII, Winston Churchill
and opposition parties agreed to suspend normal politics The
Conservatives under Churchill agreed to establish a Commission
to overhaul the social services system Surge of reform came to
an end in 1949, but the Conservatives did not repeal the reforms

The Collectivist ConsensusFrom 1945 to the mid 1970’s was the
golden era of British politics WWII coalition government
became an informal agreement on many issuesBeveridge Report
of 1942 formed core of “Collectivist Consensus”Post-war
political cleavages were class based more than policy based
*
Table 4.3
British Political Culture
The civic culture and the collectivist yearsHigh levels of
legitimacyGreat civic tolerancePatriotic enthusiasm
The Politics of Protest: Toward an Uncivic Culture?Growing
unrest with the collectivist consensus in the 1970’s Bloody
Sunday 1972Racism and riotsRadicalization of unions in face of
growing unemployment and economic declineThatcher
government played on dissatisfaction with left and political
culture/support for regime did not change

British Political CultureThe civic culture holdsDangers of
protest were fleetingEconomic recovery of the 1980s eased
many problemsSkepticism toward politicians grew
Will there always be a Britain?
Identification with the UK has declined since the late 1960’s
Resurgence of support for regional parties in Scotland and
Wales
Devolution (regional parliaments)
Monarchy’s loss of influence and prestige
Increasing racial diversity (most born in the UK)
Growing importance of the EU, euroskeptics
Parties primary vehicle for participation for over 100 yearsParty
manifestos (platforms) have been very important in pastEver
since WWII, the Labour Party or the Conservative Party has
won each general election The parties began to change in the
1970’s, with the parties both moving towards ideological
extremesAll major parties have become “catch-all” parties

*
Table 4.4
The Conservatives Conservatives have been successful They
were flexible and changed policiesThey emphasized market
forces but maintained responsibility to the poorThey have an
elitist but effective organizationParty strong during Thatcher
years Party has had four leaders since 1997Today they are
stronger contenders because of public dissatisfaction with
Labour PartyViews on Europe not shared by majority of British,
aging party leadership
Labour Began as alliance of unions, socialists, and cooperative
associations in the early 20th centuryClause 4: Formally
repudiated by Blair Economic crisis and New Left activists led
to leadership by party’s left wingLeaders more interested in
electoral success than ideology were chosen in mid-‘80sNew
Labour: Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and younger, more
moderate leaders took over in mid-1990s

*
Table 4.5
Liberal DemocratsProduct of 1987 merger of Liberal and Social
Democratic parties“First past the post” system prevent from
winning as many seats Currently challenging the Conservatives
as second-largest partyIt has capitalized on dissatisfaction with
conservatives to build baseThe party has fared better under new
leader Charles Kennedy
Minor Parties Rise in Scottish, Welsh, and Irish nationalism has
led to moderate growth in support for regional parties What is
devolution? In recent general elections they have often come
second in their regions Regional parties have always dominated
Northern Ireland Other minor parties

The British ElectorateThe British electorateLong time class-
based politics upset by radicalism and Thatcher
victoriesDealignment instead of realignment Labour victories
result of: Voters’ “fatigue” with Conservative
governmentSuccess in appealing to middle class and post-
materialist votersLabor has tried to increase support among
women by nominating them to elected positions
Interest Groups Many interest groups, but little actual
lobbyingLobbying must be done when bills are draftedFocus
their activity on the people who make the decisionsCivil
servantsMinistersParty leadersTrade Unions Council has close
links with labor, Confederation of British Industries with
ConservativesWhat was their role during collectivist years?
The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing
RealitiesWalter Bagehot’s The English ConstitutionBritain’s
Constitution composed of acts of Parliament, understandings,
and traditional practices that everyone agreed to follow
Difference between the “dignified” and “real” constitution

The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing RealitiesThe
Monarchy and the Lords: visible but powerlessHouse of Lords:
92 have hereditary membership, life seats to recognize
exemplary service, church officials, and law lords Can delay
legislation for up to six months In theory, monarch still rules
“in Parliament”, but not in practice
The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing RealitiesHouse
of Commons Represent single member districts elected in first
past the post system MPs do not have to live in their districts
Elections are party centered
The British State: Enduring Myths and Changing RealitiesKey
to British Democracy is the Parliamentary Party Leader of
majority party is Prime MinisterHead of minority party is the
shadow cabinet Backbenchers Thatcher and Brown’s career
paths are typical

Cabinet Cabinet members are all members of the House of
Commons except for the Attorney General and Leaders of the
House of LordsCollective responsibility Introduces all
legislation 90% of legislation passes after extended study and
debateRichard Crossman memoirs, cabinet becoming less
important
rest of the British State:Civil servants act as administrators, not
policy makersRegulatory agencies oversee newly privatized
companies QUANGOs make a great deal of policy and
regulationWhile courts have potential to be more active, they
have never exercised a policy-making role
FIGURE 4-1 Decision Making in Britain
Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair RevolutionsDomestic
politicsAfter the 1945 election Labour nationalized key
industries, were performing poorly by the 1960’s Welfare state
became a growing expenseThatcher reduced the role of state and
privatized government owned companies and government
services Tony Blair's “Third Way”

Policy: Thatcher and Major governmentsPrivatization was
popular in the short termAttempts to reduce social service met
with resistance Supporters: saved British economy Detractors:
Widened gap between rich and poor
Policy: Blair governmentWelfare to work Raised minimum
wageTuition increases Congestion pricing
Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair RevolutionsForeign
policy: Europe International power has waned since WWII
Special relationship with United States Britain divided on
“Europe”Issue of single currency Should the UK join European
Monetary Union?Should the UK ratify the new EU treaty
(constitution)?
Public Policy: The Thatcher and Blair RevolutionsForeign
policy: Iraq Great Britain supported 1991 Gulf War and U.S.

effort in Afghanistan after 9/11Under Blair government, Great
Britain became second largest contingent of troops in Iraq in
2003Britain pulled half of its troops by mid-2007
Feedback Centralized, professional media 11 main daily
newspapers, London dailies Regional newspapers, local
newspapersFive quality newspapers known as
broadsheetsTabloids are superficial and scandalousBBC and
independent broadcasters offer thorough political
coveragePapers usually support a political partyVery little local
news Conclusion: Blair’s legacy and British democracy, regime
has rock solid support

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