Examine the reasons for state-building and their implications for contemporary political developments around the world;

Analyse the establishment, durability and overthrow of authoritarian regimes using historical and contemporary case studies;

Examine the process of democratization in countries transitioning from authoritarian regimes and the conditions determining its success or failure;

Consider the issue of support for democracy in developed and developing countries and its potential decline;

Explore the potential of social movements to effect change in a variety of different political regimes;

Relate changes and developments in regional contexts to the theoretical literature on comparative politics.

(LO1) Identify and describe the historical factors that have shaped political institutions and structures;

(LO2) Describe the evolution of cultural norms, attitudes, ideologies and traditions that affect how politics is viewed and conducted;

(LO3) Outline and be able to classify political forms, including the ways in which leaders are chosen and power is distributed and restrained;

(LO4) Compare and contrast countries using comparative models, with regard to each of the above;

(LO5) Apply differing models in political structures and policy approaches, and evaluate their effectiveness and usefulness

(LO6) Evaluate one’s own political system, its strengths and its weaknesses, by comparing it to others.

(S1) Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate initiative, organisation and effective time management

(S2) Ability to work with others and explore different viewpoints

(S3) Enhanced research skills.

(S4) Ability to communicate complex ideas both written and orally.

Topics covered during the module may include:

Introduction to the module and the comparative method;

State building and the Nation-State;

Case study: State-building, nationalism and conflict in the Balkans;

Regimes: Varieties of democracy;

Case study: Comparing democratization in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe;

Regimes: Varieties of autocracy;

Case study: competitive authoritarianism in the post-Soviet space;

Social movements and contentious politics;

Case study: Social movements in South Africa and the United States;

Political culture and support for democracy.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: The one hour lecture will introduce students to the topic and the core theories/scholarship underscoring it.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: The one hour seminar will discuss the independent study students have undertaken through a combination of group discussions, debates, and activities.
Attendance Recorded: Yes