NON-DEMOCRACIES

POLISCI 856

Introduction to leading concepts and theories in the field of comparative politics, including those relating to states, nations, regimes and development. Includes work on many different regions and countries employing a range of research strategies and methodologies.

POLISCI 844

Democracies frequently depart from their ideal type. We focus on select problems with democracy, and examine their causes and effects, and remedies for them. Topics vary from year-to-year, and include inequalities in political representation and participation, a lack of accountability and ethnic voting.

POLISCI 978

Introduction to scholarship on authoritarian regimes and institutions, the most prevalent type of government throughout history. Deals with the conceptual and operational differences between authoritarian and democratic regimes. Discusses autocrats' 'menu of manipulation' to maintain power and minimize both external and internal threats. Focuses on tools such as establishing legislatures, holding elections, controlling the dissemination of information, and power-sharing with political opponents as well as the regime allies. Discusses dictators' strategies to alienate the opposition and to hold power while minimizing external threats from the public, the military, and/or disgruntled political elites. Discusses how and under what conditions autocrats instrumentalize women's rights and on democratic backsliding and the future of global governance.

SOC 624

Theory of democracy, political culture, comparative studies of voting behavior, political decisions, collective violence, regime breakdowns, social movements, mobilization processes, frame analysis.

POLISCI 336

Democracy has come under stress, both at home and across the world. The global decline of democracy has accelerated over the past decade, and levels of democracy enjoyed by the average global citizen today are down to levels last found around 1990. The promise of democracy's inevitable ascent and dominance after the end of the Cold War has proven shortlived. Examines the state and future of a political system we tend to take for granted but should not. Starts with a brief overview of the evolution of the concept of democracy over time. Examines the relationship between democracy and economic development, culture, identity, and religion. Considers and compares core democratic institutions. Investigates current challenges to democracy and democratization and offers an overview of the state of democracy across different world regions.