This document discusses several themes in comparative government including governing the economy, the democratic idea, and the struggle for power. It questions how governments can best measure and protect their economies, examines the recent trend toward democracy and challenges it faces, and explores issues around inclusion, representation, and the distribution of political power and resources.

1. Themes in Comparative Government ---A World of States ---Governing the Economy ---The Democratic Idea ---Politics of Collective Identity

2. Globalization Citizens Institutions STATES Democratization

3. GOVERNING THE ECONOMY How do you measure economic performance? Is GDP accurate? Does a state’s government affect success of economy? Or vice versa? What is the best way a government can protect its economy? Key Questions…

5. Struggle for power Issues: inclusion, political recognition, representation, priority Distributional politics – material vs. nonmaterial