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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PL 223-1"
COURSE NAME: "Comparative Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2017
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Michael Driessen
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 11:30-12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
MW 3-4pm and by appointment
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
As both a subject and a method of study, comparative politics examines the nature, development, structure and functioning of the political systems of a selection of countries with very different cultures, social and economic profiles, political histories and geographic characteristics. Through case studies, students will learn to use the comparativist’s methods to collect and organize the information and develop general explanations.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course is divided into 3 sections which look at 1) Comparative Politics in Western Modernity; 2) Transitions, Revolutions and 3rd Wave Considerations; and 3) New Directions in Comparative Politics. Over 9 units, we will study 10 countries along a timeline and critically chart out how these states differ and converge in the ways in which they organize power and distribute goods to citizens. In order of appearance, they are Great Britain, Italy, USSR, USA, Chile, the Czech Republic, Congo, Iran, China, and Egypt. Each unit introduces one major 1)Regime Type; 2) Country Example 3) Political Idea or Theme. Along the way, the student will learn something about the dominant enduring topics of study of comparative politics, including liberalism, fascism, communism, democracy, democratic transitions, ethnic politics, civil war, political economies, identity politics, authoritarianisms, electoral systems, political parties and revolution.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
My pedagogical hope is that students will finish this course equipped with a foundational set of tools to critically distinguish among modern political systems that will allow them to begin to analyze the relationships between the ideas, institutions, cultures and histories which underpin these systems. They will also learn the defining political characteristics of 10 modern nation-states. The essential goal will be to help students to begin practicing a higher level of political analysis and a more nuanced appreciation of the practical ways in which humans attempt to achieve common goods in modern times. When finished with this course students should expect to substantively answer the following questions about any nation: 1) what is the regime type? 2) what does the political economy look like? 3) What does the state look like? 4) What are the institutions, policies, and ideas that describe these three attributes? 5) Are there cultural, historical and religious affinities to all the above?
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Essentials of Comparative Politics, 5th Ed. (International Student Edition) | Patrick H. O’Neil | W.W. Norton | 9780393920741 | | | | | |
| Communist Manifesto | Marx and Engels | SoHo Books | 9781453704424 | | Please purchase books through the Almost Corner bookstore | | | |
| The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism | Max Weber | Penguin | 0140439218 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| The Wretched of the Earth | Frantz Fanon | Grove Press | 978-0802141323 | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| The End of Poverty | Jeff Sachs | Penguin | 1-59420-045-9 | | |
| The Solzhenitsyn Reader: New and Essential Writings 1947-2005 | Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn (ed. Ericson and Mahoney) | ISI books | 978-1-935191-55-1 | | |
| Economic Backwardness in Historical Perspective | Alexander Gershenkron | Belknap Press | 978-0674226005 | | |
| The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad | Fareed Zakaria | Norton | 978-0393331523 | | |
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Mid-term Exam | | 20% |
| Final Exam | | 30% |
| Short Reflections (6) | 1 page each, on any reading or set of readings within a section of the course. Reading reflections must be turned by the date specified in the course calendar. | 40% |
| Participation | Attendance and Presence of Mind are mandatory for this class. The goal here is to advance towards the art of asking good questions. Quality, not quantity of participation is what counts, although some quantity is better than no quality. Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence thereafter will result in the lowering of the attendance grade by 1/3rd a letter grade. More than 12 unexcused absences may result in a failure to pass the course. | 10% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance and Presence of Mind are mandatory for this class. The goal here is to advance towards the art of asking good questions. Quality, not quantity of participation is what counts, although some quantity is better than no quality. Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence thereafter will result in the lowering of the attendance grade by 1/3rd a letter grade. More than 12 unexcused absences may result in a failure to pass the course.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Course Outline:
Part I. Comparing Politics in Western Modernity
1. Modern Nation-States and the Rise of Political Liberalism
Countries: England (and France)
2. Late Nation-State Builders and Liberalism in Crisis
Countries: Italy (and Germany)
3. Liberalism in Crisis part II.
Country: USSR
4. Liberal Revenge.
Country: USA
Part II. After the End of History: Transitions, Revolutions and 3rd Waves
5. 3rd Wave Transitions:
Countries: Chile and the Czech Republic.
6. Identity Politics, Poverty, Civil War and Failed States
Country: Congo
7. Theocracy and the Return of Religious Politics
Country: Iran
8. Competitive Authoritarianism and Authoritarian Capitalism
Country: China
Part III. New Directions:
9. Tahrir Square and the Future of Comparative Politics: Dealing with pluralism in the 21st century
Country: Egypt
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Course Calendar
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August 28
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Class 1
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Course Introduction
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Part I: Comparing Politics in Western Modernity
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1. Modern Nation-States and the Rise of Political Liberalism: England (and France)
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August 30
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Class 2
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O’Neil chapters 1 & 2
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September 4
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Class 3
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Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism : First read chapters 1 & 2 (from part I “The Problem”): “Denomination and Social Stratification” and “The Spirit of Capitalism.” (pp.s 1-28 in Penguin Edition)
Then read chapter 2, “Asceticism and Capitalism,” from part II (pp. 105-122 in Penguin Edition)
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September 6
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Class 4
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Fareed Zakaria, “A Brief History of Human Freedom,” Library Reserves (chapter 1)
Recommended:
Fareed Zakaria, “Capitalism, not Culture, Drives Economics,”
J. S. Mill, On Liberty, chapters 1 & 2
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September 11
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Class 5
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O’Neil chapter 5
Magna Carta (skim)
France’s “Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen”
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2. Late Nation-State Builders and Liberalism in Crisis: Italy (and Germany)
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September 13
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Class 6
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(Reading Reflection 1 Due)
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Mussolini, “The Doctrine of Fascism” (1932)
The Futurist Manifesto, and paintings
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September 18
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Class 7
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Alexander Gershenkron, “Economic Backwardness in Historical Perspective,” (chapter 1)
Michael Mann, “A Political Theory of Nationalism and its Excesses,” chapter 4 in Notions of Nationalism, ed. S. Periwal 1995, available as e-book on JCU Library’s worldcat
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3. Liberalism in Crisis part II: USSR
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September 20
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Class 8
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Marx and Engels, The Communist Manifesto (skip chapter III)
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September 22
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Class 9
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(Make Up Class for November 1 Holiday)
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Lenin, “The April Theses?”: & “Lessons of the Revolution”
Stalin, “The Foundations of Leninism: The Dictatorship of the Proletariat,” chapter IV
Recommended: O’Neil Chapter 9, pp.s 270-286
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September 25
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Class 10
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(Reading Reflection 2 Due)
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Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago: Part I: ch.s 1&4; part III: ch. 7; part IV: ch.s 1-2; Part VI: ch.s 2&7. [These selections correspond to pages 218-240; 253-273; 294-306 in The Solzhenitsyn Reader: New and Essential Writings, 1947-2005 (ed.s Ericson, Jr. and Mahoney) available in the Library Reserves]
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4. Liberal Revenge: USA
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September 27
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Class 11
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Francis Fukuyama, “The End of History”
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October 2
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Class 12
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(Reading Reflection 3 Due)
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Robert Putnam, “Bowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital,” Journal of Democracy 6(1), 1995:
Read through Putnam’s survey instrument and data
Sheri Berman, “Understanding Social Democracy”
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October 4
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Class 13
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O’Neil Chapter 8
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October 9
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Class 14
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Mid-term Exam
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Part II: After the End of History: Transitions, Revolutions and 3rd Waves
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5. 3rd Wave Transitions: Chile and the Czech Republic.
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October 11
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Class 15
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Havel, “The Power of the Powerless,” sections I-X, XIV-XVI, XXI-XXII; and “New Year’s Address,” all in Open Letters: Selected Writings, 1965-1990:
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October 16
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Class 16
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Samuel P. Huntington, “Democracy’s Third Wave,” Journal of Democracy, 2(2), 1991
Steven Levitsky and David Collier, “Democracy with Adjectives: Conceptual Innovation in Comparative Research,” World Politics, 49(3), 1997
Pablo Neruda, “A Call for the Destruction of Nixon and Praise for Chilean Revolution”
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October 18
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Class 17
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O’Neil Chapter 9, pp.s 286-303
Valerie Bunce, “Rethinking Recent Democratization: Lessons from the Post-Communist Experience,” World Politics, 55, 2003
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6. Identity Politics, Poverty, Civil War and Failed States: Congo
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October 23
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Class 18
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(Reading Reflection 4 Due)
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O’Neil chapter 10, pp.s 308-330
Frantz Fanon, “Concerning Violence,” chapter 1 from The Wretched of the Earth, Library Reserves
Leopold Senghor, “To New York”
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October 25
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Class 19
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Economist, “Africa’s Great War,” http://www.economist.com/node/1213296?story_id=1213296
James Fearon and David Laitin, “Ethnicity, Insurgency and Civil War” American Political Science Review (97) 1. 2003
Recommended:
Filip Reyntjens, “Briefing: The Second Congo War: More than a Remake,” African Affairs, (98) 391, 1999
“When will Kabila go?” The New York Times (July, 2016)
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October 30
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Class 20
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O’Neil chapter 10 pp.s 330-340
Jeffery Sachs, The End of Poverty. 2005. Read chapter 13 (on reserve in the library)
William Easterly, “Was Development Assistance a Mistake?”
Good News from Africa:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/05/daily-chart-12
http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/02/daily-chart-20
But the debate continues:
Damisa Moboyo (2009) “Dead Aid: Why Aid to Africa is not Working”
And
Jeffery Sachs (2014) “The Case for Aid” Foreign Policy
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7. Theocracy and the Return of Religious Politics: Country: Iran
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November 6
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Class 21
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(Reading Reflection 5 Due)
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Economist, “In God’s Name,” (2007)
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November 8
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Class 22
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Bernard Lewis, “The Roots of Muslim Rage,” The Atlantic, September (1990):
Michael L. Ross, “Does Oil Hinder Democracy?” World Politics, 53(3), 2001
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November 13
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Class 23
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Vali Nasr, “The Rise of ‘Muslim Democracy,’” Journal of Democracy 16(2), 2005
Recommended:
Gunes Tezcur, “Democracy Promotion, Authoritarian Resiliency, and Political Unrest in Iran,” Democratization 19(1), 2012
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8. Competitive Authoritarianism and Authoritarian Capitalism: China
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November 15
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Class 24
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(Reading Reflection 6 Due)
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O’Neil chapter 6
Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way, “The Rise of Competitive Authoritarianism,” Journal of Democracy, 12(2), 2002
Recommended:
Ivan Krastev, “The Rules of Survival,” The Journal of Democracy, (April), 2009
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November 20
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Class 25
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Azar Gat, “The Return of Authoritarian Great Powers,” Foreign Affairs (86)4, 2007
Thomas Friedman, “Advice for China”
Amnesty International, “Annual Report: China 2015/2016”
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Part III. New Directions:
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9. Tahrir Square and the Future of Comparative Politics: Egypt
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November 22
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Class 26
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Samer Shehata, “In Egypt, Democrats v. Liberals” July 2nd, 2013, New York Times
Roberto Stefan Foa and Yascha Mounk, “The Danger of Deconsolidation,” Journal of Democracy (2016)
Recommended:
Sheri Berman, “The Pipe Dream of Undemocratic Liberalism,” Journal of Democracy (2017)
Ivan Krastev, “Russian Revisionism: Russia’s Plan for Overturning the European Order.” Foreign Affairs (2014)
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November 27
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Class 27
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O’Neil chapter 11
Jason Willick, “Nationalists and Cosmopolitans: How Samuel Huntington Predicted our Political Moment,” American Interest (2016)
Recommended:
Tybur, J. et al (2016) Parasite stress and pathogen avoidance relate to distinct dimensions of political ideology across 30 nations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 113, 12408
Take the Quiz! Is your brain Democratic or Republican?
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November 29
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Class 28
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Conclusions and Review
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Final Exam
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