March 19: Introduction to political economy, modernization, and democratization

 

Study Questions

 

 

What do Almond and Powell mean by the term “political development”?

 

 

 

 

What is the relationship between economic growth and income inequality? How does this relationship change in the course of modernization?

 

 

 

 

What are the major strategies for development, according to Almond and Powell? Describe each one in your own words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From “Fisherman on the Net”, what are three examples of ways that the Internet (or other communications technology) provides new economic opportunities in developing countries?

 

 

 

 

 

From “Fewer buffaloes…”, what are three ways that the Net challenges political authority in non-democratic or quasi-democratic countries?

 

 

 

 

 

“Fewer buffaloes…” suggests that people fear new technologies. Do you think this fear affects people’s willingness to use the Internet? How?