Political Concepts in Modern History

Study Notes

Part I: Important Words and Concepts

Article 9 of the Japanese constitution: A significant article in Japan's constitution, likely pertaining to its pacifist stance and limitations on military activities.
Authoritarian states: Countries governed by a single leader or group, with limited individual freedoms and often suppressing dissent.
Totalitarian states: Highly controlled states, where the government dictates all aspects of life, often using oppression and violence to enforce its principles.
Communism (concepts): Philosophical and political ideologies emphasizing the abolishment of private property, collective ownership, and the eventual classless society.
Mikhail Gorbachev's policies: Specifically, the policies of the Soviet leader seeking to reform the communist system (perestroika and glasnost).
The Great Leap Forward (China): A Chinese economic and social campaign that aimed to rapidly transform the country into a communist society, potentially leading to economic issues.
The Great Cultural Revolution (China): A Chinese political upheaval aiming to purge capitalist, traditional and non-communist elements from Chinese society, likely led to societal disruption.
Economic, social, and political globalization: Processes integrating the world's economies, societies, and political systems on a global scale.
Institutional, ideational, and individual explanations for political violence: Varying theories about causes of political violence, encompassing the roles of political and social institutions, underlying ideologies, and the actions of particular individuals.

Part II: Article Main Points

Putnam, "Turning In, Turning Out": Focuses on the decline of social capital (shared values and civic participation) in America.
Von Soest and Grauvogel, "Identity, Procedures and Performance": Discusses how authoritarian regimes legitimize their rule.
Fish, "Islam and Authoritarianism": Examines the relationship between Islam and authoritarianism.
Bunce, "Rethinking Recent Democratization": Offers insights into democratization processes, especially in post-communist countries.
Gat, "The Return of Authoritarian Great Powers": Analyzes the resurfacing of authoritarian powers on the global stage.
Rowen, Henry, "When Will the Chinese People Be Free?": Investigates the challenges to freedom in China.
Hoffman, "Clash of Globalizations": Examines the conflicts and contradictions in different approaches to globalization.
Collier and Gunning, "Why Has Africa Grown Slowly?": Analyzes the slow economic growth in Africa.
Margalit and Buruma, "Occidentalism": Analyzes perspectives on the West (the "Occident").