Great Britain Russia China Mexico Nigeria Iran

1
Political Culture Nationalism: pride in
being English
Insularity: feeling of
separation from rest of
Europe
Nobless oblige: duty of
the upper class to take
responsibility for the
welfare of the lower
classes
Multinationalism:
boundaries include
England, Scotland,
Wales, and Northern
Ireland.
Small size: limited
resources shaped
efforts to colonize
other lands and
become an imperial
power
Factors that
shape Political
Culture:
Geographic
Setting- Russia is
the largestcountry
in the world
geographically.
Russia is also one
of the coldest
countries one
earth. Warm ports
are few, and it's
history has been
shaped by the
desire to conquer
countries that
have blocked
Russian access to
the sea. Russians
have many
natural resources
although they are
very difficult to
extract. Eastern
Orthodoxy- The
Russian Eastern
Orthodox religion
is inextricably
linked to the
state, so the
principle of
separation of
church and state
never developed.
Even when the
communist state
forbade its citizens
to practice
religion, the
acceptance of
government
control remained.
Equality of result-
The Russians
appreciate the
value of equality
rather than the
of equal
opportunity. As a
result, the Russian
political culture is
not particularly
conductive to the
development of
capitalism.
Political culture shaped by
period of dynastic rule,
control by imperialist
nations, and finally
communist rule.
Confucianism
Maoism stresses
democratic centralism
(responsibility of ruler to
the people), ideal society
basedon self reliance and
struggle, egalitarian social
structure, the mass line,
and loyalty to the state.
Geography also influences
political culture--
concentration on eastern
seaboard influences
politics, and isolation of
west has caused problems.
Chinese nationalism: idea
of "Middle Kingdom,"
sense of entitlement
among Han Chinese.
(mandate of heaven, social
hierarchy, goal of
harmony, loyalty to family)
influences politics today.
Patron-client system,
concept of guanxi typified
in Chinese politics
Have a long
history of
authoritarian
rule, stability first
brought by PRI's
long dictatorship
and centralization
of power.
Mexico's Patron-
client(camarilla
system)
mainlygot its
support from
rural areas where
it is still in
controltoday; this
system is a huge
part of Mexico's
political culture
that helped the
PRI stay in power
for so long.
system
Mexico also has a
history of
corporatism,
which means that
the government
gained control
over interest
groups, and
interest group
leaders got
government
positions. This
system along
with Mexico's
patron-client
system has
created a history
of corruption.
Mexico's political
culture is now
becoming more
democratic and
the government
more legitimate.
There are social
cleavages within
Mexico that help
shape it's political
culture including
the north and
south regional
cleavage and the
huge gap
Prebendalism: (Patron-client
relations)
- the practice of exchanging
political and economic favors
among patrons and clients.
-invites corruption and only
provides benefits for few while
hurting the majority. Ex. Nigerian
President giving oil revenues
forsupport.
State Control/Rich civil society
- (Civil Society)- the sectors of
acountry that lie outside
government control.
British and Military tried to
completely control Nigeria's civil
society.
-Formal + Informal ethnic and
religious associations, professional
and labor groups, and NGO's have
long influenced Nigerian society.
-Groups mainly related through
corporatism and clientelism.
Tension b/w modernity and
tradition: Modernity difficult to
obtain due to ethnic-based military
conflicts and personalized corrupt
leadership practices.
-Values established in pre-colonial
era now conflict with values
obtained during the colonial era.
Religion: Muslim North vs.
Christian South.
-Identitiy
centered on
nationalism
-Encounters
with Western
modernity
-Shiism
-Very divided
with many
social
cleavages
Sovereignty,
Authority,
Power
2
Skepticism about
power-Russians
are hostile toward
their leadership.
Russians have
little trust in their
political system
and little trust in
nongovernmental
leaders as well.
The importance of
Nationality-
People tend to
categorize others
based on their
ethnicity and
discriminate.
Russians generally
admire the Baltic
people for their
'civility' and
express distaste
for Muslim-Turkish
people. Anti-
Semitism is strong
in Russia and
many blame the
Jews for their
problems.
between rich and
poor.
3
Political History Gradualism:established
strong traditions,
explains transitions in
policymaking power
from King to
Parliament
Magna Carta: limited
the power of the
monarchy
Bill of Rights: lists
rights retained by
Parliament, not
individual citizens
Common Law: based
on local customs and
precedent than formal
legal codes, developed
gradually
Industrial Revolution:
changed fuedal
system, increased the
need for more
resources which led to
the...
Colonial Era: increased
British wealth and
power
"sun never sets on the
British Empire"
Reform Acts of 1832
and 1867: more
people allowed to vote
The first rulers of
Russian were
Tsars who ruled
in Moscow and
cooperated with
Mongrol Rulers.
The Tsars also
headed the
Russian Orthodox
Church. In the
late 17th and
18thcentury Tsar
Peter The Great
introduced
westerntechnology
and culture. Also,
Catherine The
Great managed to
gain warm water
access to the
Black Sea.
Alexander the 2
was assasinated in
1881 by his
critics. By the
1890s, Marxists
had arisen.VI
Lenin changed the
meaning of
Marxism when he
argued for
democratic
centralism, or a
"vanguard"
leadership group
that would lead
the revolution in
the name of the
people. Lenin's
followers were
called Bolsheviks.
In 1918 a civil war
broke out between
the White Army,
led by Russian
military leaders
and funded by the
Allie powers, and
the Red Army led
by Lenin. The
Reds won in 1920
and Lenin took
power. Stalin took
power from 1927
until his death in
1953.After Stalin
Dynastic cycle before the
20th century. Has ranked
as one of the most
influential political systems
in the world for centuries.
During the 19th century,
the last dynasty, the Qing
Dynasty, suffered the
presence of imperialistic
nations (i.e., England,
Germany, France, and
Japan), called spheres of
influence. In1911 was the
Boxer Rebellion, where
peasants rose up against
foreign powers, but were
crushed. Then, Chiang
Kai-shekNationalist
Party or
Kuomintang and Mao
Zedong established the
Chinese Communist Party.
Mao gained strength for
his party throughthe Long
March. Both parties
united in defense of the
Japanese invasion, but
Mao emerged as a hero. In
1949, the Nationalists
along with Chiang fled to
Taiwan and claimed that it
was the true China while
Mao created the People's
Republic of China. Mao
engaged in economic
models called Five Year
Plans that mimicked the
Soviet technique and
instilled quotas for
economic productivity.
The Great Leap
Forward was a massive
failure for communist
China. The Cultural
Revolution was a purge of
"decadent" elements of
Chinese society and was
meant to rally youth
around the hardliners'
communist cause. Deng
XiaopingTiananmen
Square. Fornow, China is
under the rule of President
Hu Jintao and Premier Wen
Jiabao. established the
came to power in the '70s
Mexico's political
history has been
violent and
unstable. The
impact of Spanish
colonialism can
be seen in the
largely Catholic
population and
the social
cleavage between
mestizos and
Amerindians.After
independence
Mexico has seen
many failed
regimes and
militarycoups,
causing
instability.Santa
Anna led a
repressive
regime, he lost
half of Mexico's
territory and
brought even
greater social
unrest and
instability.
Porfirio Diaz
brought the idea
of non-
reelectionPRI
was created by
Calles and his
followers, they
needed a way to
transfer power
from one
president to the
next without a
complete change
in government.
They created the
PRI so that the
party could
nominate its
candidate for the
next election.
This brought
continuity and
stability for
eighty years, but
the corruption
and centralization
of power of the
Pre-Colonial Era (800-1860
C.E.)
- gradual diffusion of Islam through
Cultural Diffusion (Contact with and
spread of customs and beliefs of
other people.)
Colonial Era (1860-1960)
- Indirect rule from British (trained
natives to fill the Euro-style
bureaucracy in South)
-North governmental structures
left untouched due to political
hierarchies according to Islamic
tradition.
- North Vs. South cleavage grows
larger.
Modern Nigeria (1960-Present)
-Independence obtained in 1960
-Parliamentary government
replaced by a military dictatorship
in 1966, set the stage for
government to change quickly and
violently. Parliamentary
government has been changed to a
presidential system which models
the US. There is a Senate and
House of Representatatives
-Ethnic identities now the major
basis for conflict in Nigeria.
-Institutionalization of corruption
among the political elite.- National
Question posed towards Nigeria
(Possibility that Nigeria would not
survive as a country.
1960-66 Tafawa Balewa
66-75 Yakubu Gowon
75-76 Murtala Muhammed
76-79 Olusegun Obansanjo
79-83 Shehu Shagari
83-85 Muhammed Buhari
85-93 Ibrahim Babangida
93-98 Sani Abacha
99-2007 Olusegun Obasanjo
2007-Present Umarau Yar'Adua/
GoodluckJohnathan
-Safavid
dynasty
1501-1722
-Qajar
dynasty
1794-1925
-Reza Khan
Shah Pahlavi
1925-1941
-Muhammad
Rezah Shah
1941-1971
-1979
Revolution:
Founding of
Islamic
Republic
4
died in 1953,
Nikita Khrushchev
became premier
of the USSR.
Leonid Brezhnev
took power from
1956 until 1982.
Mikhail Gorbachev
then took control
from 1985 until
1991. Then, in
1991 Boris Yeltsin
was in charge. In
1993 a new
constitution was
put in place.
and made China more
moderate, aside from the
1989 incident in
PRI regime was
ended when
Vicente Fox was
elected president.
Now Mexico has
become more
democratic and
much of the
corruption from
the patron-client
system has been
weeded out, but,
Mexico is still
fraught with
corruption and
fraud.
to Mexican
politics and
brought thirty
years of stability
to Mexico. But he
was also
represive and
forced millions of
peasantsinto
servitude. The
5
Sovereignty
Sovereignty in the UK
comes from the
parliamentary system,
the more powerful
house of commons and
the honorable house of
lords. Also more
regional governements
have been allowed to
govern and make
decisions on the local
level
For most of the
20th century,
public authority
and political
power emanated
from one place:
The Politiburo of
the Communist
Party. The
politburo was a
small group of
men who climbed
the ranks of the
party through
nomenklatura, an
ordered path from
local party soviets
to the
commanding
heights of
leadership. When
the USSR
dissolved, it's
authority and
power vanished
with it, leaving in
place a new
government
structure with
questionable
legitimacy. Still,
the political
culture and
historical
traditions of
Russia are firmly
entrenched and
have shaped the
genesis of the new
regime, and
undoubtedly will
determine the
nature ofit's
future.
Cultural influences of
Confucianism and Maoism,
history of authoritarian
power; Chinese
nationalism aids in
sovereignty, as seen in the
resistance to the spheres
of influence
Sovereignty in
Mexico comes
from it's
presidential
democracy. The
people directly
elect the
president, the
representatives in
legislature and
many state and
local leaders.
Sovereignty in Nigeria lies in it's
Presidential system similar to that
of the United States and before, a
parliamentary system similar to
that of the British.
-Reformers
have a lot of
popular
authority
-The clerics
have political
authority
6
Sources of
Power
Legitimacy has
developed gradually.
The Prime Minister
holds most the power
in the parliament as
leader of the majority
party.
The main source
of power lies in
the President. He
has the power to
appoint the prime
minister and the
cabinet, issue
decrees that have
the force of law,
and dissolve the
Duma.
The President is head of
state. The Premier is head
of government. They both
are aligned with the
Chinese Communist Party,
which retains the greatest
amount of power, which is
concentrated in the
Politburo, specifically the
Standing Committee
The head of
government and
head of state is
the president.
The legislature
makes legislation
and can vote
down legislation
made by the
president;
historically the
legislature has
been a rubber
stamp, but
recently that has
begun to change.
The President holds the majority of
the power with the ability to
appoint the Head Minister of the
Federal Ministry and also holds the
positions of Head of Government
and Head Of State.
-Elections
-
Appointments
7
Constitution
Has an unwritten
constitution.
Constitution of the
Crown- "constitution"
evolved over time with
important documents
combining to form the
C of the C.
The Russian
Constitution was
created in 1993. It
created a 3
branch
government, with
a president, a
prime minister, a
lower legislature
house called the
Duma, and a
Constitutional
Court.
The fourth constitution of
the PRC was created in
1982, with four revisions
thus far. It created a
governmental system that
is paralleled by the party
system.
Constitution of
1917 resembles
the U.S.
Constitutions, the
government is
separated into
three branches
and theoretically
the president,
legislature and
judiciary check
and balance each
other but
Constitution is
long and easily
amended when
government has
need to change
something.
The current constitution is the
1999 Constitution. It was adopted
in its original form on May 29, 1999
in Abuja, at the dawn of the
Nigerian Fourth Republic.
-Established
in 1979
during the
Islamic
Revolution
8
Regime type
Unitary state with
political authority
centralized in London.
(Whitehall).
Parliamentary system,
Russia has a
federal
government
structure, but
practices
asymmetric
federalism. Some
regions are much
stronger than the
others, so power
is devolved
unequally across
the country.
China has a centralized
government with some
regional power in rural
areas concerning local
elections.
Communist government
with Chinese
characteristicsadvocates
capitalism; has parallel
party system alongside
government.
Mexico has a
federal
presidential
system and is an
illiberal
democracy.
Nigeria is
a federal presidential representative
democratic republic, whereby the
President is both head of state and
head of government, and of a
multi-party system.
Theocratic
Democracy
9
Economic
System
Liberalism- philosophy
that emphasizes
political and economic
freedoms for the
individual and the
market.
Until 1970's collective
consensus philosophy-
supports a great deal
of gov control of the
economy
Neoliberalism under
Margaret Thatcher-
revival of old liberalism
ideals
Russia practices a
centralized
planning
economy. Today
Russia's economy
is fueled by it's
huge oil and gas
reserves.
Capitalism, but
government provides
social services, so
communist. Combines
private sector and socialist
government. Economy is
based on cheap
manufacturing, highly
concentrated in Special
Economic Zones (SEZs)
Mexico has a
free market
economy and
obtains most of
its income from
oil. Northern
Mexico is largely
industrialized and
southern Mexico
is largely rural
and agricultural.
There is a huge
economic gap
between the rich
and the poor, and
the poverty has
been a huge
social and
political problem.
Nigeria is a rentier state. Nigeria,
like Iran, receives income by
exporting their oil and leasing out
oil fields to foreign countries.
-State
ownership of
resources
-Trying to
nationalize
industries
-Fueled by oil
10
Legitimacy
through gradualism.
Historically,
political legitimacy
has been based on
strong, autocratic
rule, first by
centuries of tsars,
then by the firm
dictatorship of
many of the party
leaders during the
20th
century.Under
communism rule,
Marxism-Leninism
proved the
legitimacy base
for the party. The
Constitutions
legtmacy has
been seriously
tested by
attempted coups
and intense
conflicts. As a
whole, the
government lacks
legitimacy.
Modern China draws
legitimacy from Maoism
and its ideals (collectivism,
struggle and activism, the
mass line, egalitarianism,
and self-reliance).
Communist Party Politburo
is legitimate power in
China, but leadership has
come under a lot of
criticism in recent years;
Party is said to be corrupt
and irrelevant, holding
authoritarian power over
an increasingly market-
based economy. Questions
of legitimacy include the
Tiananmen Square
incident in 1989 and the
unrest in Tibet that has
continued in the past few
years.
Mexico draws
legitimacy
through its
continued liberal
reforms of the
economy and
government.
elections have
become more
legitimate, and
the legislature
has been able to
be more than just
a rubber-stamp
for the president
but its own
identity. These
continued
reforms bring
legitimacy of it's
democracy to
other countries
and it's people.
-some checks and balances
between government branches
-some independent decisions in the
courts
-revival of civil society
-Independent Media
-the recent peaceful succession of
power
Comes form
both God and
popular
sovereignty
11
Belief Systems:
Religion/
Ideology
Separation of Church
and state. Population
is mostly Christian.
Many Muslims have
moved to the UK and
have been subject to
racism.
Tsarist Russia was
Russian Orthodox,
with the Tsar also
being the head of
church. Boris
Yeltsin also
encouraged
Russian Orthodox.
Today most ethnic
Russians identify
themselves as
Russian Orthodox,
but they are still
largely
nonreligious with
only a small
percentage
regularly
attending church.
Confucianism, Taoism,
Buddhism all influence
Chinese beliefs, however
the most prominent
ideology is the communist
ideals (see above
Maoism.) More recently is
Deng Xiaoping Theory:
It doesnt matter whether
a cat is white or black, as
long as it catches mice,
ideology that encourages
the private sector while
upholding communist
ideals.
Mexico is largely
Catholic because
of the Spanish
influence.There
are some Indian
relgions practiced
among the
Amerindians but
Catholicism is the
main religion.
Islam and Christianity.
Islam was originally spread around
the 11th century while Christianity
made its debut with the British's
indirect rule of southern Nigeria.
Islamic-
Sunni &
Shiites
12
Governance and
Accountability If the constituents
disagree with the way
things are being
governed, they simply
elect different officials
during the next
election.
A vote of confidence
occurs when the
majority party loses.
In such an instance,
the cabinet and Prime
Minister, by tradition,
step down. Election for
new MPs must be held
immediantly.
Polls have shown
that most people
dislike their
current political
system and have
great mistrust of
the government.
Many people are
more in favor of
democratic ideals.
Alienation is also
indicated by a low
level of
participation in
interest groups.
Vladimir Putin is
th e only
president who has
shown high
approval rates.
Due to the lack of
transparency, the
government cannot be
held accountable by the
people. There is a lack of
political efficacy in
China, as the populace has
little effect on how the
government operates, as
most policy is set not only
within the CCP, but
specifically in the
Politburo Standing
Committee. There has
been feedback in favor of
a democratic system in
China, but the government
has proven to only
liberalize in the economy,
not politics.
There are
theoretical checks
and balances
between the
president,
legislature, and
judiciary but the
judiciary is still
largely controlled
by the
government and
is not yet
completely
separate.
growing
transparancy and
legitimacy within
the bureaucracy
and legislature
have led to larger
amounts of
government
accountability.
Protests and
elections are also
used by the
people to keep
their government
in check.
Citizens have a low level of trust in
the government. Due to previous
false promises, promises of
democracy usually are taken with a
grain of salt. Most Nigerians believe
that elections are not honest and
fair.
Most Nigerians are considered
cynical of their government.
All of the distrust of the
government originates from the
overwhelming amount of corruption
within the Nigerian Government.
-More
liberalization,
but less than
during
Khatami's
presidency
-Some
officials
appointed
(esp by
Guardian
Council),
therefore
loyal to the
appointer
=
13
Citizens,
Society, and
the State
Great Britain Russia China Mexico Nigeria Iran
14
Cleavages and
Politics Ethnic: only
about 7.1% are
not of European
Origin. Of the
7.1%,
23% Undiain
16% Pakistani
12% Afro-
Caribbean
10% Black
African
there are also
cleavages
between
England,
Scotland, Wales,
and Northern
Ireland.
Social Class has
always been and
important
cleavage in
England
Religious
cleavages
between
Christians and
Muslims are
present. In NI,
the Catholics and
Protestants really
dont get along
and there has
been a decent
amount of
violence between
the two sides
Ethnic- 80% are ethnic
Russians. The northern
Muslim region of Chechnya
has fought many years for
their freedom.
Racial- Russians tend to look
down upon Muslim-Turkish
people.
Class-There is a big gap
between the rich and the
poor because the rich are
political elites who have
gained their wealth through
nomenklatura. Most citizens
are middle class.
Gender-There is no gender
cleavage in Russia.
Religious- Most Russians
don't practice a religion.
15-20% are Russian
Orthodox. 10-15% are
Muslim. and 2% are Other
Christian.
Regional-City dwellers are
more likely to be well
educated and in touch with
western culture. The northern
region of Caucaus has
constantly been fighting for
it's
freedom.
Ethnic Cleavage: tensions between the
Han, who are the majority with around
90%, and the 55 other ethnic groups.
Specific hostile tensions btween the
Han and Uigher and the Han and
Tibetans
Religious: the Chinese government is
nonreligious
Regional Cleavage: very important;
correlates with industry and wealth.
Coastal region is better off
economically than the Western portion
Ethnic cleavages: mestizo v. Amerindian
Class: cleavage between social classes, the gap
between the middle class and the poor is huge
Regional: north v. south cleavage
urban v. rural
Cleavages in Mexico are very coinciding, it is often the
urban middle-class from the north v. the poor rural
southerners.
Ethnic Cleavages
Igbo, The
Yoruba and The
Hausa-Fulani. All
three of these
cultures had
powerful, well-
established
cultures prior to c
focus around the
three main ethnic
groups: The
olonization. They
have remained
strong and are the
main forces
behind many
political parties.
Religious
Cleavages can be
found between
the mostly Muslim
North and the
predominantly
Christian South.
The greatest
examples of the
tensions that this
cleavage creates
can be found in
the use of Sharia
Law in Abuja, the
federal district,
and any state that
wishes to use it,
as well as the
violence that can
be found in such
Middle Belt cities
as Jos.
RegionalCleavages
mostly fall along
the same lines
that the Ethnic
and Religious
Cleavages have
already created.
The North Vs The
South can be
defined in
Religiously
(Muslim Vs.
Christian,
Religion: Shia Muslims v Sunni,
Christians, Jews, Zorastrian, and
Baha'i
Ethnicity: Closely tied to religion,
Mostly Persian
Social Class: Peasantry and Lower
class support the regime and have
benefitted from the government's
social programs; Middle and upper
class people are more secular and
are opposed to the regime
Reformers v Conservatives:
Conservatives want to keep the
regime as it is (under control of
clerics and sharia law), Reformers
want secularizationand democracy
to be infused into the city
Pragmatic conservatives v. Radical
clerics: Pragmatic conservatives
favor liberal economic policies;
Conservatives argue that private
property and economic inequality
are protected under Islamic
law
15
respectively),
Ethnically (Hausa-
Fulani, Igbo, and
Yoruba), or as the
split between the
Populous North
Vs. Resource-filled
South.
16
Civil Society QUANGOS-
(quasi-
autonomous
nongovernmental
organizations)
interest groups
that together
with gov officials
develop public
policy
Political Parties:
Labour-generally
supported by the
working class
Tories-
supported by the
upper class
Liberal
Democrats-
formed by
Liberals and
Social Democrats
alliance, headed
by Nick Clegg
Russia has a relatively
undeveloped civil society. For
example, most Russians
don't attend church.Only 1%
report to belonging to a
political party. Any groups
that do exist, the
government has placed
severe restrictions on their
activities, especially on
groups that are openly
critical of the government's
policies. Vladimir Putin
heads a youth movement
called Nashi who support the
government.
very weak civil society
press censored
government opponents
suppresed
e.g. Tiannmen Square
Interest groups must register
with the government, thus
undermining their
indepedence and utility
regional groups only
nominally represented
There is a long history of a "lively" civil society in
Mexico which provided an atmosphere where public
protests were acceptable. Under the PRI, interest
groups were controlled under state corporatism. PAN
was created from an interest group that opposed the
PRI's rule. Interest groups in Mexico are found
everywhere, as the individual parties, unions, trade
organizations like the Educational Workers' Union which
is Latin America's largest trade union.
Most Civil society
is based around
ethnic lines, and
interest groups
that have been
made by such
ethnic gatherings
have always tried
to shape political
decisions. These
groups have
served both
unifying and
divisive forces,
and they have
strengethened
since 1999. Some
non-ethnically
based groups
include trade
unions and
professional
organizations,
who work to
protect the rights
of their members.
Civil society has not been restored
under the current regime.
Ahmadinejad has closed down
newspapers, banned and censored
books and websites, and doesn't
tolerate protests. One indication
that civil scoeity is alive can be
seen among Iran's growing youth
population.
17
Media Roles has a free press,
government
controlled news
agency, BBC,
despite this lots
of transparency.
Specific parties
have blatant
news agencies
that provide
party rhetoric.
Under Soviet Rule, the official
newspaper, Pravda, was only
printed when the government
wanted it to. Now, media is
privately owned and is free to
criticize the government.
The internet is limited by
government regulations. For
instance, Google searches of
Tiananmen Square in China
result in no results about the
massacre of 1989.
in recent years, the media is
gaining small steps forward,
by gaining some ability to
criticize the government. in
2010, 12 newspapers wrote a
joint crique of the
government.
internet censored (Google
Scandal 2010)
Under the PRI media was controlled and any opposition
to the regime was not allowed. The media began to
become more independent with the fall of the PRI. Now
there are several major television networks in the
country and foreign networks such as the BBC and CNN
are accessibl
e.
The Media in
Nigeria has almost
always been
relatively free,
despite military
rulers. There are
several nation
wide Newspapers,
but this is
surprisingly not a
very used form of
journalism, as
about only two
thirds of
Nigerian's are
literate. Instead, a
more important
news source is
found in Radio
and Television.
The Government
has tried to turn
this use of Media
into a unifying
force, but the
Constitutional
right of states to
have their own
Stations makes
this difficult.
These stations
instead become a
divisive force
between the
states of Nigeria.
Radio and TV are government-run
by the IRIB, but many newspapers
and magazines are privately own.
Compared with other regimes in
the region, the Iranian press has
more freedom to criticize the
government.
18
Political
Participation
high voter
turnout, high
political efficacy:
general party
allegiance for
labour and
conservative,
consistant
following.
Voter turnout is fairly high,
higher than in the United
States. Citizens can vote in
the presidential elections and
in the Duma elections.
Grassroots Village elections
since late 1980s
voter turnout quite high in
Hong Kong
voter turnout higher in urban
areas (more education)
Political participation has historically been
characterized with protest and revolution. But now
citizens through increasingly legitimate, regular
elections. President, legislature and many local
government officials are directly elected.
Elections in
Nigeria have been
consistently
plagued by fraud
and corruption,
which has made
many Nigerians
unhappy with
their government.
There have been
many protests
and ethnic
violence. Most
interest groups
have been
organized along
ethnic lines, but
there have been a
few that have not
been, which gives
hope for Nigeria.
While many vote, participation is
reliatively limited, especially under
Ahmadinejad.
19
Social
Movements
National Health
Service- rather
leftist. Colletive
Consesus early
twentieth
century up to
70's in the
seventees there
was a radical
leftward shift and
this lead to the
countries swing
to Thatcherism-
very
conservative
politics and
cracking down on
the Unions.
eventually there
was a third way
when the Labour
Party was
elected with
Blair.
There aren't many notable
social movements in Russia,
besides Nashi. A group
created by Putin to attempt
to foster an acceptance for
the government within young
people. Also, Nashi has a
procreation day in which the
kids are forced to procreate.
- Three reform protest movements
since Mao.
----1978-79 = Democracy movement.
*call for the fifth moderization
(democracy) on the "democracy wall"
*initially tolerated by Deng
*reformist leader eventually sentenced
to 15 years in prison
*led to the CP's 4 principles of protest
---- 1986-87
---- 1989 Tiananmen Square
---------------------Student led protest
demanding democracy, later leading to
a disaster and many deaths
*initiated in May '89 on the death of
ousted reformer Hu Yaobang.
*protest about openness of leadership/
corruption
*became well organized as students
and workers coordinated outside CP
*June 4th, 91989 = PLA sent in by Li
Peng to end protests.
Urban popular movements concerned with social
welfare spending, city services, feminism, neighborhood
improvements, economic development and so on have
gained strength. Now, government has been forced to
negotiate and bargain with the groups leading these
social movements.
Many social
Movements have
sprung up since
the 1999 election.
Often based
around religious
or ethnic groups,
these movment
try to pressure
the federal
government to
react to their
greivances. A
favoite target has
been the foreign
based Oil
companies that
drill for oil around
Nigeria. Groups
like MEND and
MOSOP try to get
the Oil companies
to promote fair
business practices
and adhere to
environmental
standards,
through methods
either violent or
peaceful.
The Green Movement for
democracy, as well as the growing
influence of women in the political
system, are the two main social
movements in Iran.
20
Citizenship
and social
representation
autonomous
interest groups
yet neo-
corporatism is
existant.
quango's are
unique to Britain
, quasi
nongovernmental
organizations.
"winner take all"
Parliamentary
system, and safe
districts for high
members of
party.
less than 40 percent of party
members come from the
peasantry, although peasants
still make up the largest
single group within the CCP.
The fastest growing
membership category
consists of officials,
intellectuals, technicians, and
other professionals.
Women make up only about
20 percent of the
membership and only about
4 percent of the Central
Committee.
Populism has always been a key theme w/ charasmatic
leaders w/ a significant peasant base. Interest groups
represent citizens stemming from labor unions.
Camarrilla patron client system is important in
determining the nature of politcal
participation.
Most social
representation
occurs through
the patron client
system known as
Prebendalism, in
which all public
offices are treated
like Personal
Feifdoms.
Growing number of youth
21
Political and Economic
Change
Great Britain Russia China Mexico Nigeria Iran
Revolution, coups, war
GrEATBRITAINDKJFDK:LJFL
Magna Carta started trend towards democracy
and legitimacy. Glorious Revolution of 1688
started giving power to parliament. generally
a gradualist approach to deomcracy and
freedom.
RUSSIARUSSIARUSSIA
The Decemberist
Revolt of 1825 took
place Russian
intellectuals and
Nicholas the first who
ruthlessly crushed the
revolt. The Revolution
of 1917 caused the
state to collapse. In
1918 a civil war broke
out between the White
Army, led by Russian
Military leaders and
funded by the Allie
powers, and the Red
Army led by Lenin. The
Reds won in 1920. In
1991 the
conservatives led a
coup that tried to
remove Gorbachev
from office. The coup
failed when popular
protests broke out and
soldiers from the
military deflected
rather than support
their leaders.
1644-1912:
Qing Dynasty
1912: End of
dynastic rule,
founding of
the Republic
of China
under Sun Yat
Sen.
1919: May
Fourth
Movement
against
European
presence and
control
1921:
Founding of
the
Communist
Party of
China.
1927: Start
of the Chinese
Civil War
between the
Chinese
Nationalist
Party,
Kuomintang
(KMT) and the
Chinese
Communist
Party (CCP).
1937:
Beginning of
the Second
Sino-
Japanese War
aka World
War II
1949:
Founding of
the Peoples
Republic of
China under
Mao Zedong
and the
Chinese
Communist
Party; KMT
retreats to
Taiwan
Mexico uses the
revolutions of
1821 and 1921
as sources of
pride and
national
identity. Mexico
has had fewer
coups in
comparison to
other latin
american
countries
because of PRI
hampering of
military
influence. Diaz
coup brought
stablility, a
tradition of
authoritarianism,
economic
growth, and
economic
disparity
between rich and
poor.
Nigeria has a long
history of bouncing
between Military
Coup d'etats and
Civilian
Governments.
There has been a
total of 4 civilian
governments that
since the country's
independence in
1960, and eight
Military leaders, as
well as a secession
of Biafra.
The 1979
revolution
instituted a
theocratic republic
that is currently in
place today, in
which Ayatollah
Khomeini became
the Supreme
Leader and Shah
Reza Pahlavi was
overthrown. The
shah's Father/
Predecessor, Reza
Khan, came to
power in a 1921
coup, with
assisstance from
the British
government. He
was forced to
abdicate in
1941after Britain
and the Soviet
Union invaded
Iran, due to the
Shah's pro-nazi
leanings. In 1953,
Muhammad
Mossaddeq, the
Prime Minister of
Iran, was
overthrown
through a CIA/
British plot.
22
1960:
Chinese and
Soviet Union
governments
split over
communist
policies.
1966: Start
of the Chinese
Cultural
Revolution
1976: Mao
Zedong dies.
1979:
Government
begins one-
child policy.
1989:
Tiananmen
Square.
1997: Hong
Kong returns
to Chinese
rule after 156
years under
the British
Crown.
Trends and types of
political change
(democratization)
Components
Promoting or inhibiting
factors
Consequences
Gradualism, a steady movement towards
democracy, Nobles Oblisse or the social need
for the wealthy to take care of the power, why
top down change works.
Any regime change
creates legitimacy
issues, but Russia's
case was extreme,
with public policy
directed at some very
tough issues and
seemingly intractable
problems. The abrupt
change in leadership
goals and style
between Yeltsin and
Putin also has made it
difficult to follow
continuous threads in
policy over the years,
although alternating
between reform and
authoritarianism is an
old theme that goes
back to the days of the
tsars. Russia has not
tried to democratize
and has kept their
centralized
government. Factors
inhibiting them from
doing so is a lack of
legitimacy and trust in
The national
government is
still very elite
and self-
electing, but
local
provinces are
becoming
more and
more
democratic.
economic
liberalization
does not
equate with
political
liberalization
PRI no longer
holds complete
control over
government due
to electoral
reform a factor
promoting
democratization.
Recent judicial
reform is also
noteworthy as a
panel, versus a
single judge,
tries in law.
Nigeria has always
tried to move
towards a
democracy, but
the fragmented
nature, combined
with the winner
takes all attitude of
politics and the
rampant corruption
by those in power
has made such
movements very
slow, with many
steps backwards.
The political trend
of Military Rule has
also has had an
adverse effect
upon
democratization of
the Nigerian
society.
Under the Pahlavi
dynasty, both
Shahs did nothing
to aid democracy.
Reza Khan
established an
authoritarian
state. In 1975,
Muhammad Reza
announced the
formation of the
Resurgence Party
and declared Iran
to be a one-party
state with himself
as its head. After
the 1979
revolution, along
with the Supreme
Leader, a
presidential post
was created, who
was elected
through popular
vote. From 1979 to
1989 there was
also a Prime
Minister, but
following the 1989
23
their government,
widespread corruption
within their political
system, and
charismatic leaders.
constitutional
amendment the
post was removed
and the Prime
Minister's powers
were divided.
Following the 2009
Iranian elections, it
is believed
Trends and types of
economic change

mixed economy with quangos and recent

denationalization of industry, mostly in the
service sector, post industrial nation.
Mikail Gorbachev
enacted his
perestroika reforms,
primarily considering
of marker economy
programs inserted into
the traditional
centralized state
ownership design of
the Soviet Union.
Between 1997 and
2007 the economy
steadily improved.
Today Russia's
economy is fueled by
it's huge oil and gas
reserves.
Four
Modernizations: In
1973 Zhou Enlai's
proposed a system of
government that
focused on developing
industry, military,
agriculture, and science
in China. It was most
notably used by Deng
Xiaoping. The Four
Modernizations have
been the focus of the
country's official policy
goals every since.
Characterized
by Pendelum
Theory--shifting
presidents who
set off a back
and forth effect
of socialist
reform--like
privitazation of
oil under PEMEX
and import
substitution--and
changes to
entrepreneurship
and foreign
investment with
open trade with
america.
Nigeria in 1960
took on a strategy
of Import
Substitution, that
lasted until 1999.
However, the
extended period of
Import
substitution, along
with broken
promises by other
governments and
the instable
exchange rate of
the Naira has
produced the
incredible statistic
that the Nigerian
Total Debt
increased by about
1,000 percent
during the last 20
years of the 21st
century.
Iran's nuclear
energy program
has led to it facing
a variety of
sanctions from
countries like the
US. Oil exports
account for a large
amount of the
Gov't revenue, and
Iran was a Rentier
state under the
Pahlavi Dynasty.
Inflation is high,
around 11%. 16th
in terms of PPP.
Rising
unemployment
among the youth
represents a major
hurdle for the
gov't. Taxes are
kept low, as the
government earns
a large sum from
oil.
Relationships between
political and economic
change
Thathcher stopped negotiations with trade
unions. Clause 4-changed the political views of
labour party on the economic sector.
Between 1997 and
2007 the Russian
economy steadily
improved, due to
recent privitizations.
Today Russia's
economy is fueled by
it's huge oil and gas
reserves.
"I don't care if it's a
white cat or a black cat.
It's a good cat so long
as it catches mice." --
Deng Xiaoping
This quote from China's
economic modernizer
indicates his belief that
progress is more
important than
following specifically
communist or capitalist
belief.
With China's rapid
economic growth, it is
now said that China
functions under
capitalism with
Communist tendencies.
w Since the newest
regime change, in
which the fourth
republic was
created, the
change to a
structural
adjustment system
has allowed for
more economic
development, but
the long term
traditions of
corruption and new
styles of attack
upon Foreign oil
companies have
made the
development
Under the Pahlavi
dynasty, Iran had
much economic
success, due to
trade with the US
and other
countries.
Following the 1979
revolution, Iran
continued to earn
money from oil,
but economic
sanctions due to
nuclear power
have hurt its gdp.
24
slower than can
normally be found.
Globalization and
Fragmentation
Global economies
Interlinked economies
Global culture
Reaction against
globalization
Regionalism
Increase in muslim minorities. EU's power
over economy and Euroskeptics fear of EU
sovereignty. Northern Irelands independance
movement, no longer very violent./,
,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
bnb vgh-
Vladimir Putin set out
to redefine Russia's
place in the world, a
two-dimensional task
that requires a new
interpretation of the
country's relationship
with the west, as well
as it's role among the
former soviet states.
promoted
capitalist
spirit within
China
formation of
Special
Economic
Zones (SEZs)
such as Hong
Kong where
free trade is
permitted.
Because of
SEZs, China
has a mixed
economy
these zones
are mostly on
the port cities
or near them.
Wealth is
concentrated
in port cities
Globalization
has also
brought
wealth to the
entire
country,
predominantly
the port
cities.
Pressure from
foreign
countries on
China's
environmental
issues
Mexico is highly
dependent on
America
economically as
reflected with
maquilladoras
and free trade
w/ america
through NAFTA.
Mexicans have
some animosity
to the strong
American
influence.
The increased use
of Structural
Readjustment in
Nigeria has made
globalization an
increasingly
important part of
Nigerian
economics.
Iran has grown
increasingly
isolationist over
the years following
the 1979
revolution.
Sanctions from the
UN and other
nations
Political Institutions Great Britain Russia China Mexico Nigeria Iran
Supranational Organizations
EU economically
and NATO as far as
military is
concerned.
UN UN Member of
WTO and
NAFTA
OPEC - Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries
ECOWAS - Economic Community
of West African States
AU-African Union
OATUU - Organization of African
Trade Union Unity
-Commonwealth
-Nonaligned Movement
OPEC - oil cartel
25
Unitary/Federal
Unitary with
private education
and almost all og
government
happening in
london, in the
southern part of the
country causing a
north south
cleavage.
Federal-Some
regions are
stronger than
others, so
power is
devolved
unequally
across the
country
(asymmetric
federalism).
Current regime
contains 89
regions/
republics
Federal, but
the majority of
power is in the
party, which
controls the
national
government.
The
government
was originally
based on the
idea of
democratic
centralism, but
it has become
more federal in
recent years.
Federal but
fed. gov has a
large influence
on regional
decisions.
-- federal system- under military
government federalism didn't
work b/c goverment didn't allow
states to have separate
sovereignty
Unitary
Centralization/Decentralization
very centralized a
compact country to
begin with.
Because of
Yeltsin's weak
leadership in
the Federation's
early stages,
many republics
ruled
themselves
almost
independently.
This has led to
some
decentralization.
However,
Russia's
previous regime
of a highly
centralized
government has
created a
centrally
oriented state
today.
China began
as a centralized
state, but has
moved towards
decentralization
in recent years.
There has been
a push to give
local
governments a
little more
power because
it gives the
government
more
legitimacy.
Under PRI
highly
centralized w/
legislature
rubberstamping
executive
decisions.
Recently
mexcio has
become more
decentralized
(gridlock now
exists in
legislature) but
b/c of a weak
and corrupt
bureacracy the
executive is still
pretty
centralized.
- centralized under military rule
- decentralized in new regime-
state governments have been
getting more power.
Executives Prime Minister:
Gordon Brown
President-
Dimitry
Medvedev-Head
of State-
Appoints Prime
Minister and
Cabinet, issues
decrees
Prime Minister-
Vladimir Putin-
Head of
Government
Premier- Wen
Jubio
President- Hu
Jintao
President who
serves a
sexenio--6 year
term for those
non spanish
speakers out
there.
Incumbent
used to choose
the succesor.
Felipe Calderon
- (acting) president- Goodluck
Jonathan
- vice president- currently none
b/c Jonathan was vice pres but
after Yar'Adua stepped down due
to health problems, Jonathan
became pres.
Supreme Leader:
Ali Khamenei
President:
Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad
26
Legislatures house of commons
is their legislature
they mostly debate
and vote along
party lines because
a vote of no
confidence would
mean that
parliament would
have to be broken
up,and there
wouldneedtobeanew
prime minister
house of lords can
only delay passing
of bills so not real
power there
Bicameral
Duma-Lower
House-450
Deputies
selected by
proportional
representation
(as of 2007)-
technically
passes bills,
approves
budget, and
confirms
political
appointments.
Really serves as
a rubber stamp
for President's
actions
Federation
Council-Upper
House-Consists
of two members
from each of
the 89
republics. Since
2002 one rep is
selected by the
governor of
each region and
another is
selected by
regional
legislature.
Power to delay
legislation
National
People's
Congress-2,591
members.
Elections are
first past the
post. THe
congress has a
standing
committee,
similar to the
politburo
standing
committee,
which contains
159 members.
The congress
also picks the
premier, state
council and
both main
courts.
Bicameral w/
500 Chamber
of deputies and
a 128 member
senate. all
legislators are
directly
elected. 300
deputies are
directly elected,
200 are
proportional
and 4 senators
come from
each of the 31
states and
mexico city.
- Senate has 109 senators- three
from each of the 36 sts and one
from the capital (Abuja)
- Senators are elected by popular
vote
- House of Representatives
contains 360 members, who come
from single-member districts
-Representatives are elected by
plurality and are of various
ethnicities
Majilis: 290 seats
Single Member
District - Approved by
Guardian Council to
run
Parliamentary/Presidential paliamentary Mixed-strongly
presidential
Presidential Presidential - presidential Presidential
Elections
Presidential
Parliamentary
    Referendum
Noncompetitive
free and fair
mainly party based
voting
President-
Directly elected
for a four year
term. Two
consecutive
term limit. Two
round voting
system
Prime Minister-
Appointed by
President
For most of
the elections,
especially
presidential,
the CCP
controls who
the citizens can
vote for. Non-
party
members,
including
capitalists, can
now be elected
to the
legislature, and
Elections have
become
competitive
after 71 years
of PRI control
through
bribery, and
ballot stuffing.
With election
reform, and an
independent
voting agency
in charge of
implementing
fair elections,
- mostly competitive elections- as
seen w/ ballot box stuffing in
Yar'Adua's election, corruption is
ever present (especially high in
2007)
All elected officials
must be approved by
the Guardian Council.
-Majilis
-President
-Assembly of
Religious Experts
are all directly
elected.
-Supreme Leader
-Judiciary
-Expediency Council
-Guardian Council
-Cabinet
27
Duma-elected
by proportional
representation
President can
call for a
national
referenda by
popular vote on
important
issues
Technically
Russia is a
multiparty
system, but
Putin's parties,
mainly United
Russia,
dominate the
Kremlin.
the local
elections are
even less
restricted. The
local elections
are
competitive,
while the
national
elections are
not.
mexico now
directly elects
their
government in
a fair way.
Are all appointed.
Electoral System
Proportional
FPTP
single member
didtrcit and
proportional
plurality
FPTP
Proportional in
the lower
legislative
house (Duma)
Executive-Two
rounds
The election
system is
highly
competitive
and first past
the post in
rural areas,
however it is
not competitive
in national
elections. The
party controls
almost all
elections, but
there are signs
that the
elections are
getting more
competitive
and fair. This is
shown by the
fact that
capitalists are
beginning to be
elected to the
national
peoples
congress.
The president
is directly
elected via
popular vote.
The legislature
is elected in a
combination of
proportional
and direct
election.
- elections are first-past-the-post
- if none of the candidates obtain
a majority of votes, a 2nd election
is conducted (this has yet to
occur)
- presidents must receive at least
25% of the votes in 2/3 of the
states so that the president is
popular among different
ethnicities and religions
Single Member
District
Political Parties
Organization, membership,
institutionalization, ideological position
three main parties
Labour- more
liberal appeal to
middle class
United Russia-
Putin's Party.
Sponsors Nashi
(Political youth
group)-
Dominant
The CCP, or
Chinese
Communist
Party, is the
main party,
and has a
PRI- used to
control gov. for
71 years. rural,
less educated,
old thinking
populace.
-People's Democratic Party
(PDP)
- has had candidates since 1998
- noregional ties- pres and vice
pres "switch off", w/one Christian
and one Muslim
-The Alliance of
Builders of Islamic
Iran: Conservative
and Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad
28
Tories-more
conservative, some
say more
pragmatic, upper
class
liberal dems- a
compromise of the
two major parties,
it falls near the
center
because of single
member plurality
smaller parties dont
get a lot of rep
The Communist
Party of the
Russian
Federation
(CPRF)-
Remnant of
Soviet
Communist
Party. Second
strongest party.
Opposed
reforms,
emphasizes
nationalism and
centralized
planning.
Liberal
Democrats-
Radical party
headed by
Vladimir
Zhirinovsky.
Sexist, anti-
Semitic, pro
nuclear warfare.
Branch of
Putin's party
Fair Russia-Led
by Speaker of
the Federation
Council Sergei
Mironov. Branch
of Putin's Party.
Yabloko
(Apple!)-
Reformist party.
Pro democracy.
Does best
among
intellectuals
who supported
Gorbachev. Lost
all of its Duma
representation
with 2007
electoral
reforms
structure that
mimics that of
the
government.
Most of the
power is really
focused in the
party. The
General
Secretaryis Hu
Jintao, he is
followed by the
Politburo
standing
committee- 9
members, from
politburo-
made up of
central
committee
members, who
come from the
national party
congress.
PAN-northern,
middle class,
better educated
Mexicans
support this
party.
PRD- younger,
politically
active,
populace from
middle states.
these are a
bunch of rebels
and thank god
this is my last
entry because i
am going crazy.
- Obesanjo ('03) and Yar'Adua
('08) have been elected president
- All Nigeria People's Party
(ANPP)
- party of former military general
Muhammadu Buhari
- got 32% votes in '03 and 19%
votes in '07
- Action Congress (AC)
- merger of several political
parties
- ran Atiku Abubakar as pres
candidate in '07
- initially disqualified by
Independent Nat'l Election
Commission (at Obesanjo's
request) but Supreme Court
overturned it
- received 7% votes
-The Iranian Reform
Movement: Hossein
Mousavi
Party Systems ideological and
social differences
Mostly gain
power through
relationship to
Putin. Reformist
parties are
The only party
allowed in
China is the
CCP except for
a few members
- parties usually form on
regional/ethnic bases and are
centered around leaders, so they
are not permanent
Conservative vs
Reformer parties
29
mainly
ideological
of capitalist
parties.
Leadership and Elite Recruitment pretty much like
U.S. political parties
Recruit from
youth groups
(Nashi, Youth
Guard, Locals)
Encourages
strong and
widespread
party loyalty
Most
recruitment is
through the
nomenklatura,
and the idea of
guanxi, which
is the Chinese
version of a
patron-client
relationship.
Many of the
elites are
referred to as
"technocrats,"
because the
party wants
better educated
people.
Recruitment is
no longer
based on class
or ideology.
Currently, the
leaders of the
government
are all
engineers of
some type.
- technically anyone can join
politics, but people really advance
up the ranks through joining the
military
Religion plays a large
role in politics. Most
politicians are clerics.
Revolutionary Guard
is also a power base.
Interest Groups and Interest Group systems Quangos
interest groups
have about the
same amount of
pull that they do
here
same types of
issues
Oligarchs-May
be defined as
interest group
because they
have had major
influence in
policymaking
due to economic
power.
State
Corporatism-
state
determines
which groups
have input into
policymaking
No interest
groups are
allowed, there
are no groups
for workers
rights, and
most groups
get broken up
if the
government
doesnt like
what they are
doing. If
protests get
out of hand,
the leading
protesters get
arrested. The
Chinese
government
completely
controlls the
vast majority of
all civil society.
- interest groups have had impact
on politics even under military rule
- examples
- labor unions
- business interests
- human rights groups
- religious-based groups
Revolutionary Guard
really has most of the
influence
30
Falun Gong-
Started as a
spiritual group,
grew too large,
and the
government
tried to destroy
it, however a
few members
still remain.
Bureaucracies stable and powerful Huge, but
inefficient,
bureaucracy.
Corrupt
Merit based,
members owe
their job to the
person above
them. The
partys
structure is
very similar to
the
bureaucracy
that has been
carried over
from the old
dynasties.
-British established bureaucracy
system during colonial rule
- people obtain jobs through
bribery and prebendalism
(rewards system for obtaining
jobs)
- are mostly parastatals
(companies owned by the
state that provide social/
commercial welfare)
- seen as corrupt and inefficient
Clergy dominated it.
Nepotism common.
Plays a large role in
maintaining
conservative Islamic
values.
Military and other coercive institutions The army was
a very
important
source of
strength during
the cold war era
from 1945 to
1991. The
military did not
usually take a
lead in politics,
and generals
did not
challenge the
power of the
politburo. Under
the Russian
Federation, the
army shows no
real signs of
becoming a
political force.
The Russian
military is often
known for poor
performance.
Recently,
military
spending has
increased and
PLA- many
party leaders
have been at
the top of the
military
hierarchy. It is
seen as a
stepping stone
into the upper
party. The
police are used
to violently
suppress
demonstrations
along with the
military. The
Tiananmen
Square
protests were
put down by
the military.
During Mao's
"Cultural
Revolution" the
Red Guard was
used to stop
anyone who
opposed Mao.
The military the
military in
government and
the military in
barracks
Military in the
barracks is a strong
force behind
policymaking in
Nigeria. By becoming
so active in political
affairs, it lost its
credibility as a
temporary, objective
organization that
maintains order
Distinction between
fulfills traditional
roles of the military,
an their leaders have
been critical of
military control of
political power
One of the few
institutions in the
country that is truly
national in character
-Army is for
conventional warfare
-Revolutionary Guard
is to protect the
Supreme Leader and
is also a politcal
power base
-Basij malitia are the
political thugs with
some distance
between them and
the Supreme Leader
31
has become
more active in
areas such as
Georgia and
Chechnya.
Able to transcend the
deep ethnic and
religious cleavages of
the country
Many of the brightest
and most ambitious
Nigerians make their
way up through the
echelons of the
military
Judiciaries
Degrees of autonomy
Judicial review (including EU in
relation to states, citizens)
Types of law
parliamentary
sovereignty has
limited judicial
review
common law
law lords is highest
court in the land
In 1993 a
constitutional
court was
created in an
effort to build a
judicial system
that is not
controlled by
the executive.
The court has
19 members
appointed by
the president
and approved
by the
federation
council. The
courts have
both been
active in policy-
making,
however their
independence
from the
executive is
questionable.
Putin regime
put a lot of
money into
legal reform.
There is still a
lot of corruption
in the system.
The Chinese
judicial system
is not
autonomous,
and they do
not have
judicial review.
The judges are
picked by the
National
Peoples
Congress.
There is a
Supreme
Peoples Court,
and a Supreme
Peoples
Procuratorate.
The legal
system is being
used by
citizens to
increase their
power, and to
try to make
sure the laws
are being
applied fairly.
Because the
judiciary is not
truly
independent,
these attempts
are not very
successful.
Nigerian courts originally had a
great deal of autonomy in the
early years of their independence.
However, military rule undermined
the judiciary by establishing
military decrees. Under this
political system, judicial review
was suspended.
Presently, the strength of the
judiciary has grown, as proven by
the tribunals established to hear
accusations of voter fraud in 2007
States now have the option of
creating sharia law courts to deal
with Islamic cases
-Sharia law: Islamic
law courts
-Qanun: law made by
the legistlator
Final interpretation of
the law is by the
Supreme Leader,
Guardian Council and
the Assembly of
Religious Experts
32
Public Policy Great Britain Russia China Mexico Nigeria Iran
Common Policy Issues GREATBRITAINUK
post blair policy on
minorities, terrorism, EU
negotiations on
sovereignty,
Uncertainty in the
regimes future.
Legitimacy issues. Trends
in policy issues have
been difficult to follow
due to abrupt changes in
leadership. The
alternation between
reform and
authoritarianism,
however, has been a
trend since the days of
the czars.
Policy issues can be
broken up into four
groups: democracy/
human rights issues,
population issues,
economic issues, and
foreign policy/
international trade issues.
Democracy/human
rights: ethnic cleavages
cause uprisings which are
often stifled in an
undemocratic way, such
as military force. Also,
the struggle for
democracy has also
caused the government
to engage in questionable
strategies for restoring
stability.
Population issues: one
child policy, now facing a
depletion of population
that will not be able to
sustain larger older
generation; lack of
females
Economic issues:
Unemployment and
inequality, inefficiency of
the state sector, pollution
Foreign policy: tensions
with Japan and Taiwan,
Military rule in Nigeria
has resulted in top-down
policy making. Power is
concentrated in the
Presidency, and much
input comes from the
channels of patron
clientelism."Loyalty
pyramid" involves senior
government officials who
are supported by a
broader base of loyal
junior officials. Elites
make policies out of self
interests frequently.
-Power struggle between
orthodox and moderate
factions
-Nuclear energy/weapons
-Hate of Israel, the
United States, and the
West
33
international protest over
Tibet, US-China relations
Economic Performance conservative or Keynsian
view points on
economics, dealing with
gloabl recession.
The heart of the demise
of the Soviet Union was
economic problems.
Gorbachev enacted
perestroika reforms but
they never actually
followed through.
Yeltsins shock therapy,
and abrupt shift away
from the centrally
planned economy,
created chaos. The
government defaulted on
billions of dollars in
debts. From 1997 to
2007, the economy
steadily improved, but it
took a sharp fall in 2008
when oil priced declined.
The rubble fell in value,
unemployment grew and
production dropped. The
Russian economy is
fueled by its huge oil and
gas reserves. In 2009,
Medvedev outlined
economic priorities for
Russia to improve and
diversify their economy.
What we know about
China's economy comes
directly from them and is
suspect. However, their
recent numbers are
showing that they have
been performing quite
well, and have not
suffered during the
recession.
Nigeria's economy is
strongly tied to a single
commodity -- oil. Due to
this, their recent
economic performance
has been poor, as the
price of oil has been
relatively low. In recent
decades, Nigeria has
attempted to reform their
economy, as in the case
of Babengide's economic
program of "structural
adjustment." This sought
to restructure and
diversify the Nigerian
economy.
-Largely based on oil;
economy fluctuates with
oil prices
-Largest manufacturer in
the region, makes of
cars, appliances, and
more
-subsidies
34
Social Welfare standard of living is high
some social problems are
lack of integration by
minorities, minority/
majority cleavages, social
class differences
(muslims)
Government has given
the responsibility of social
welfare mainly to
subnational
organizations. Social
security and welfare
programs provide modest
support for the most
vulnerable segments of
Russia's population. Many
have begun to rely on
these sources.
There is some inequality
and unemployment, and
the government is
undoubtedly repressive.
However, literacy is
above 90%, remarkably
high for such a populous
country, the life
expectancy is high for an
Asian country, and the
standard of living is high
in the cities
(comparatively.) Of
course, rural areas face
the issues of poverty and
deprivation that the cities
do not.
-Almost 60% of Nigerians
live beneath the poverty
line.
-Similar to Mexico in the
way that both have a
huge disparity between
the wealthy and
impoverished
-Government requires
only minimal taxes, in an
effort to relieve the
burden
-Social services are
provided for a portion of
the population
-High subsidies, charities
run by religious
institutions
Civil Liberties, Rights,
Freedoms
have extensive liberties The Russian Constitution
grants citizens civil
liberties very similar to
the ones stated in the
U.S. constitution. Civil
liberties in Russia are
shrinking as freedoms are
being restricted.
Very limited. Some civil
rights are more
prominent in rural areas
outside of Beijing's
control, but as a whole,
civil liberties are quite
restricted in comparison
with first world nations.
-Has extensive interest
groups that engage
actively with political
parties
-Labor unions have
recently regained their
strength
-Most basic rights
guaranteed under the
fourth republic
-Media is surprisingly
independent (was so
even under military rule)
-Media is controlled
-Government runs radio
and TV
-Civil rights and liberties
are heavily restricted
-Sharia Law
-Women heavily
restricted
Environment Air pollution from heavy
emissions, transportation
in major cities.
Agricultural pollution,
deforestation, radioactive
contamination, ground
water contamination.
Russia has a great wealth
of natural resources. Oil
and gas extractions are
hard on the environment.
Pollution, especially
radioactive
contamination, has
resulted in many health
defects.
The environment is in
terrible condition in
China, Beijing is often so
polluted that it is not safe
for the citizens to be on
the streets. However, in
recent years the Chinese
government has made it
a priority to reduce
emissions (especially in
preparation for the 2008
Beijing Olympics.) China
currently is the leader in
wind turbine usage. Still,
16 of the 20 most
polluted cities in the
world are in China.
-Major environmental
issues are occurring in
the Niger Delta, where
frequent oil spills have
resulted in the death of
the fishing industry
-Has the highest
deforestation rates in the
world
-In late 1995, Nigeria's
execution of eight
environmental activists,
notably Nobel Peace Prize
nominee Ken Saro-Wiwa,
made international
headlines
-polution, possibly
nuclear waste, oil spills,
etc.
35
Population and Migration Many immigrants to the
UK come from India.
Muslim immigrants seem
to have the hardest time
assimilating into the
British population.
Pop.- roughly 61 million
In recent years, Russia
has suffered a dramatic
drop in overall
population, now
averaging at about an
18% decline. Economic
hardship has not
encouraged large
families, and health
issues have created a
high death rate. To
combat this, Russia is
encouraging Russians
who live abroad to return
to their homeland,
however the financial
crisis has lessened the
appeal.
Population: 1.3 billion
Most migration occurs in
Chinese emigrating to
other countries (mostly
United States.) Many
migrants to Hong Kong
Very slim minorities of
immigrants who have
moved for business
-The most populous
country in Africa (about
140 million)
-As of 1999, there were
some 6,000 refugees in
Nigeria
-The net migration rate in
2000 was negative 0.2
migrants per 1,000
population
-Persians
-Azeris
-Kurds
-Arabs
Economic Development UK has yet to adopt the
euro
Liberalism: emphasizes
political and economic
freedoms for the
individuals and the
market
In 2009, Medvedev
outlined economic
priorities for Russia to
improve and diversify
their economy.
Has recently encouraged
privatizing industry and
capitalism; has tried to
develop economic sectors
besides manufacturing
(companies such as
Lenovo expanding
quaternary sector)
Has booming service
industry
In 1985, Babangida
regime developed an
economic structural
adjustment program with
the support of the World
Bank and the
International Monetary
Fund.
This program has had
mixed results, but Nigeria
remains heavily in debt.
Para-statals remain state
owned, and the private
economic sector has not
grown significantly.
-Moving to nationalize
industry and expand
economy
-Increasing military
spending and "space
programs"
-Increasing in
manufacturing and self-
reliance
36
Factors influencing public
policymaking and
implementation
Domestic

International
British relationship with
the EU
Terrorism and cohesion
upcoming elections
devolution and
constitutional reform
Relations with the US &
EU.
Economy
Minority regions such as
Chechnya
Corruption
-Population, pollution,
corruption, ethnic
cleavages
-Political image,
economic trading
partners
-Cleavages:
-Ethnicity: Hausa-Fulani
(north), Igbo (southeast),
Yoruba (west)
Religion: north is
primarily Muslim, while
south is predominantly
Christian
Other factors:
-Corruption amongst high
level officials
-Violence in Niger Delta
(causes foreign
investment to pull out of
the country)
-Lack of governmental
legitimacy
-International price of oil
-Human development
index
-Bad relations with the
U.S.
-Sharia law
-Strong sense of
nationalism
-Shiite and Persian
cultural influences
37