POL 257: Introduction to Comparative Politics 2B

University:
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Course:
POL 257 | Comparative Politics
Academic year:

2023
Views:

53

Pages:

2
Author:

CharlesP

State Power - Three classifications of state power - Strong states - Weak states - Failed states Strong States - Can fill basic tasks: defending their territory, making, and enforcing rules, managing The economy, etc. - Little to no non-compliance from the domestic population Weak States - Cannot execute tasks - Corruption, tax evasion, public noncompliance, organized crime, rebel movements, lack Authority and legitimacy Failed States - When the structures of a state become so weak that they break down - The government can often not provide the most basic of services - Pakistan and Afghanistan Pakistan - Pakistan has many of the characteristics of a failings state - Poor electricity, lack of health care and education, unresponsive judicial system, Widespread poverty - The state suffers from the worlds 4th largest number of terrorist deaths - Large parts of the states border with Afghanistan are not under state control The Why? - Pakistan has a somewhat rogue military, they seem to operate with a level of autonomy From the government - The military is also very fragmented and lack clear authority - A very weak central government does not allow for control over the violence that occurs in The state - Leaders of the state often compete for short term personal gains and power - There is substantial evidence that military forces in Pakistan have supported terrorist Groups, especially the Taliban - It is unclear who has control over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons or how secure these weapons Are History of Pakistan - In 1947 as India gained independence from Britain, Muslim leaders also demanded an Independent state of Pakistan - Today Pakistan is a stark contrast to the relative success of India