18 Questions
What type of societies have been known to be highly equal despite being nondemocratic, and what was their ideology based on?
Communist societies, such as the Soviet Union or Cuba, whose ideology was based on eliminating differences between rich and poor.
What is the general trend observed in nondemocratic countries in terms of their per capita GDP at purchasing-power parity?
Nondemocratic countries tend to be found among those with a per capita GDP at purchasing-power parity below $7,000.
According to modernization theory, what conditions make democratization more likely?
Conditions of economic development and a relatively equitable distribution of resources.
Why might elites be more willing to share power in certain circumstances?
When they have fewer fears of losing economic opportunities in the process.
What are examples of nondemocratic countries with high standards of living?
Singapore and Kuwait are examples of nondemocratic countries with high standards of living.
What is an important factor in achieving democratization, according to modernization theory?
A relatively equitable distribution of resources.
What is the central assertion of the behavioral revolution regarding modernization and democracy?
With modernization, societies would become more urban, educated, and politically sophisticated, creating the basic conditions that would catalyze democracy.
Why are societies that are poor and poorly developed less likely to have democracy?
Due to high inequality and concentration of wealth among a few individuals, leading to a strong incentive for those with economic power to monopolize political power.
What is the common political science dictum related to the middle class and democracy?
No middle class, no democracy.
What is the correlation between societies that lack modern institutions and nondemocratic rule?
There is a strong correlation between societies that lack modern institutions and nondemocratic rule.
Why do those with economic power want to monopolize political power in poor and poorly developed societies?
To fend off any challenges from the public to redistribute that wealth.
What is a notable exception to the general correlation between poverty and nondemocratic rule?
India.
What is the relationship between highly unequal societies and nondemocratic rule, according to the text?
Highly unequal societies will reinforce nondemocratic rule, as those in power seek to maintain control and enrich themselves.
Why might rulers in highly unequal societies be reluctant to surrender power, according to the text?
Rulers may be reluctant to surrender power because they may be forced to give up their assets and may lose their lives.
What is the 'resource trap' theory of development, and how does it relate to democracy and modernization?
The 'resource trap' theory suggests that the existence of natural resources can act as a barrier to modernization and democracy, as leaders can use these resources to maintain power and control without taxation or representation.
How do natural resources affect the relationship between leaders and citizens, according to the 'resource trap' theory?
Natural resources give leaders the wealth necessary to run the state without taxation, allowing them to ignore citizens' political demands.
What is the consequence of the 'resource trap' on democracy and development, according to the text?
The 'resource trap' can lead to 'development or democracy poor' countries, despite their wealth in natural resources.
What is the underlying reason for the lack of participation, competition, and liberty in highly unequal societies, according to the text?
The threat of revolution and the desire to maintain power and control may lead to a lack of participation, competition, and liberty in highly unequal societies.
Explore the relationship between political regimes and economic outcomes, including poverty, inequality, and standard of living. Learn how nondemocratic rule can sometimes lead to equality and high standards of living.
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