Questions (PICK ONE):
1. Throughout this semester, we have discussed the similarities and differences between democratic
and non-democratic regimes. With this dichotomy in mind, is there a relationship between a
country’s international standing (e.g., World Happiness Index, GINI, HDI, economic prosperity,
etc.) and their respective regime type? Do rich countries become democracies more readily than
poorer ones? Are non-democratic regimes always disadvantaged against democratic regimes?
Reflect on these questions as you provide your answer.
2. What is a political norm? Do political norms matter? Is there interplay between political norms
and legitimacy? Please provide specific examples when answering each question.
3. Throughout this semester, we have discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. By analyzing the
various responses by the international community, a thread of unity in response can be seen
across many of the countries. Why has most of the international community joined in a united,
targeted approach towards Russia in this crisis? What is at stake should Russia gain control of
Ukraine? What justification(s) does Russia claim for the necessity of the invasion? Are these
justifications compelling and legitimate?
4. Throughout this semester, we have discussed several instances of countries experiencing
“democratic backsliding”. Utilizing Nancy Bermeo’s foundational work, do you find this idea
convincing/compelling? What do you attribute as the cause(s) of democratic backsliding? Are all
democracies prone to backsliding? If so, is backsliding inevitable? Please provide specific
examples to support your response.
5. When analyzing the rise and establishment of statehood across Europe’s history, Charles Tilly
said, “war made the state and the state made war”. Do you agree with this statement? Are there
instances outside of Europe that challenge this statement? Please provide specific examples to
support your position.
6. When analyzing non-democratic regimes, it is evident that many of these systems maintain
many political institutions found in democracies. What is the purpose of a non-democratic
regime allowing the establishment of political opposition, holding elections, and/or allowing
public dissent? Please provide specific countries and examples within them to support your
response.
7. Scholars have often argued that countries with an abundance of resources fall victim to the
“resource curse”. Please describe what this “curse” is and provide concrete examples (verifiable,
empirical evidence) that support or challenge the claim that the “curse” exists.
8. Following the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan on 30 August 2021, the topic of
nation-building has been thrust into the limelight. What is nation-building? When is nationbuilding effective in establishing a stable government/system? When does nation-building fail?
What complications exist in the application of nation-building? Please provide specific
examples when answering each question.
9. When looking at the world’s approach towards addressing climate change, we can see several
instances of the international community coming together to draft agreements and policies.
However, when these conferences, meetings, and summits conclude, it can be argued that little
materializes in domestic policies. By analyzing these conferences, when has the international
community made considerable progress in addressing climate concerns? Why has it been so
difficult to unite the international community in meeting the moment against this existential
threat? Please provide specific examples to answer each question.