What is “comparative politics?” What does it study, and how would you situate it within political science? In your essay clarify what do political scientists mean when they use the term “regime”? (Explain that what are some examples of types of regimes); What is the difference between “regime” and “state”?
Solution
Comparative Politics is a study of different political systems to understand their effectiveness and the capacity to deliver. These comparisons, of multiple political systems are always systematic and have specific objectives. Comparison allows political scientists to gather empirical evidence, which is then analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a particular system. These comparisons allowed political scientists to discover the factors that not only give birth to political systems (political philosophies) but also keep these systems intact (Hislope & Mughan, 2012).
In the study of comparative politics, there are several approaches or domains; however, there are two primary or main approaches (cross-national and area-studies). As it is apparent from the term itself, the cross-national approach focuses on multiple countries to find the answer to theoretical questions. Such studies (cross-national) emphasize empirical evidence to answer theoretical questions; thus, such studies are quantitative. In contrast, the area-study approach focuses on the particular region, and it uses quantitative techniques for the analysis. Also, the area-study approach also focuses on un-conventional political factors, such as language and culture for a deeper understanding. Nevertheless, in both approaches, the political systems are compared by systematically using various tools.
It through comparative politics of political systems we give particular identity to a system. This identity is based on the attributes of a particular political system. For instance, political systems that are steered by a group of individuals, which came to power through popular vote are described as democracies. Generally, democracies are transparent, and the policies of the government are the manifestation of the public will (usually).
Regime
In a broader context, regime means government; however, as per classical understanding of the term, the regime is an authoritarian government. In some contexts, the regime also means an illegitimate government (de facto in nature) that uses force and violence to implement an agenda that is not national but rather of a small group. As per Comparative Politics, the regime is a national administration or government, which has several forms.
Types of Regimes
Dictatorship: It is a type of regime, in which a single person takes national decisions. His/her will supersedes the will of the majority. Such systems are inherently unstable.
Aristocracy: It is a type of regime, in which a small number of people rule the majority. Generally, these people belong to the affluent class, but not necessarily.
Democracy: In democracy too, a small group of people rule; however, these people are elected, and their policies represent the will of the majority.
Difference between State and Regime
The state is more of a permanent entity, whereas the regime is a temporary entity. A state with its institutions remains intact, even when a regime falls. The state has its attributes such as geography, sovereignty, population, and government. However, the regime does not have these attributes. For instance, a regime cannot claim that all the individuals in particular geographies belong to it. Similarly, a regime does not always have territory. For instance, in the past, many de jure regimes have operated from an alien territory. In politics, the regime is an organ or element of the state, not the other way around. Also, a regime cannot be sovereign (theoretically), as disagreeing with the regime would be considered treason, which would undermine the will of the population. Authoritarian regimes in the recent past devised political narrative that there is no difference between state and the regime; however, such political narratives imploded as they were inherently flawed.
Reference
Hislope, R., & Mughan, A. (2012). Introduction to Comparative Politics: The State and Its Challenges. Cambridge University Press.
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