Comparative Politics Lecture 1

Comparative Politics Lecture 1

• The lecture is an introduction to comparative politics.
• The course outline covers various topics, including basic concepts, nation-building and state-building, theories of democracy, comparing political systems, legislatures, subnational governments, systems of governments, parties and party systems, electoral systems, political culture, electoral behaviour, movements, and a test.
• The instructors are József Dúró, Réka Várnagy, and Gergely Rajnai.
• Contact information for the instructors is provided.
• Attendance at seminars is mandatory and exceeding 3 absences will result in failure.
• Assignments, both in-class and homework, make up 60% of the grade.
• The exam accounts for 40% of the final grade.
• Grading scale is 88-100: 5, 76-87: 4, 63-75: 3, 51-62: 2, 0-50: 1.

What is Politics?

• Politics is a complex term, often viewed with preconceived notions.
• Politics is an essentially contested concept, seen in various ways.
• Politics can be viewed as the art of government.
  • Political actions are limited to matters concerning the state.
  • Government, and the usage of power, are considered political.
• Politics can also be seen as public affairs:
  • The public sphere is distinct from the private.
  • The line between the public and private is often aligned with the division between the state and civil society.
  • The concepts presented include 'the political' and the 'non-political'.
• Politics can also be seen in terms of compromise and consensus.
• It's the way conflicts are handled through negotiation and agreement.
• It's built on the belief that discussion and compromise are the most effective responses to conflict.
• The current trend displays a disenchantment with democratic politics in some parts of the world due to a preference for populism.
• Politics can also be seen as power.
  • Power is the ability to influence the actions of other individuals.
  • Power is inherent in various social activities, relationships, and human interactions.
  • Feminist and Marxist perspectives often view politics through the lens of power dynamics.

Approaches to the Study of Politics

• Various approaches are used to analyze politics.
• These include philosophical traditions, empirical traditions, behavioralism, rational-choice theory, new institutionalism, and critical approaches.

Tools of Political Analysis

• Concepts classify and categorize political phenomena.
• The common characteristics of issues are identified.
• Models express intricate connections, clarifying the significance of facts.
• Theories explain the observed actions systematically.

Politics in a Global Age

• The distinction between domestic and international politics is being challenged.
• Globalisation alters the political landscape.
• International issues are increasingly intertwined with domestic ones.
• Transnational interaction affects the complexity of political activity.

This lecture serves as an introduction to comparative politics, outlining key concepts such as nation-building, state-building, and theories of democracy. It offers insights into various political systems, electoral processes, and the grading structure of the course. Engage with the foundational themes that will shape your understanding of comparative politics.