Three concepts frequently discussed by political scientists are corruption, clientelism, and institutional decay. Although distinct, all three can undermine governance, reduce public trust, weaken state capacity, and contribute to political instability.
11.3 Corruption, Clientelism, and Institutional Decay Read More »
A state may possess significant capacity, but how effectively does it actually use that capacity? Are institutions competent, accountable, fair, and responsive to the needs of society?
Political scientists use the term governance to describe the processes, institutions, and practices through which political authority is exercised and public decisions are carried out.
11.2 Governance: How Well Does the State Actually Rule? Read More »
Political scientists often ask why some states govern effectively while others struggle to maintain order, enforce laws, or provide basic services. Some governments collect taxes efficiently, control their territory, maintain functioning institutions, and respond effectively to crises. Others struggle with corruption, weak infrastructure, poor public services, criminal organizations, insurgencies, or limited control over parts of their own territory.
11.1 State Capacity: What Makes a State Strong or Weak? Read More »
Module 11 explains why some states govern effectively while others become weak, unstable, or even collapse. It begins with state capacity, the practical ability of a state to carry out its decisions, enforce laws, collect taxes, control territory, maintain functioning institutions, and provide public goods. It then distinguishes this from governance, which asks not just whether the state can act, but how well it actually rules—including effectiveness, rule of law, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
11.0 Political Science Module 11: State Strength, Governance, and Stability Read More »
In everyday political conversation, words like liberal, progressive, socialist, and left-wing are often used as though they all mean the same thing. However, these terms describe different ideas, traditions, and political goals.
10.8 Social Democracy, Democratic Socialism, and the Modern Left Read More »
Few political ideologies have had a greater impact on the twentieth century than fascism. Fascism emerged in the years following World War I during a period of economic hardship, political instability, social unrest, and widespread dissatisfaction with existing political systems. Fascist movements promised national renewal, unity, strength, and decisive leadership in times of crisis.
10.7 Fascism: Total Mobilization, National Unity, and Dictatorship Read More »
Nationalism focuses on the relationship between people and the nation. Populism focuses on the relationship between ordinary citizens and political elites.
10.6 Nationalism and Populism Read More »
Conservatives generally argue that societies are complex and that institutions often contain valuable knowledge, traditions, and social arrangements that have developed over long periods of time. Because of this, they tend to favor stability, continuity, and gradual reform rather than sudden or sweeping change.
10.5 Conservatism: Tradition, Order, and Gradual Change Read More »
Liberalism emerged during the Enlightenment as thinkers began questioning absolute monarchy, inherited privilege, and restrictions on individual freedom. Influenced by philosophers such as John Locke, liberals argued that individuals possess natural rights and that governments exist to protect those rights rather than rule without consent.
10.4 Liberalism: Liberty, Rights, and Individual Choice Read More »
People often disagree about taxes, healthcare, immigration, education, crime, environmental policy, and countless other political issues. Yet beneath these debates, there are usually deeper disagreements about how society should be organized.
10.3 What Is a Political Ideology? Read More »
