Dependency Theory, Democracy and Democratization - Assignment Example

Economic and relational theories are employed differently across the globe, leading to the formulation and implementation of policies that best suit a given nation’s setting and the society therein. In this regard, economic and international relations theories perceive the world in variant ways.

Dependency theory sees the world in the perspective of making poor nations or countries poorer and enriching those that are already rich and wealthy. In other words, the inequality of countries across the world results in dominance by wealthy nations over poor nations. For example, developing countries like those in Latin America depend on developed ones for aid among other things. With this, the developed economies deplete African resources in the name of the aids provided. The integration of weak economies is unfair relative to weak and strong economies or countries in the world system. Trade agreement between the United States and Latin America would be seen as a means for the United States to exploit Latin America.

In the modernization theory, a trade agreement between the United States and Latin America would be seen in a whole new perspective. The agreement would be treated as a bid to enhance economic relations between the United States and Latin America. The move would be welcome in business and commerce terms relative to international interdependency that is based on the fact that no single nation is self-sufficient. On the other hand, the third way would see this agreement as a trail towards optimizing the welfare of both nations, in the consideration of their differences.

Emerging economies like China are threatening the position of other strong nations in the world. Realism and liberalism would treat China’s rise in a global context. That is to say that China’s mode of interaction with the rest of the world would be evaluated in a global context. Given that China is more oriented towards a socialist political system, its position in realism would be characterized by the concept of relations that only benefit China, a scenario that is likely to influence close associates of China like Brazil. On the other hand, liberalism would view China as a rather static nation in reforms, due to its high urge for revolutionary-based social change.

Question 2
State and institutions are primary variables that characterize every single political setting. The state is the central authority in whatever means of governance is considered. For instance, in both capitalism and socialism, the state plays a fundamental role in practicing the central authority and power over the people. On the same note, states function and operate through the establishment of institutions, each of which is charged with a specific role, duty, or responsibility. Institutions are, therefore, the various arms of the state that aid its overall functioning.

In understanding comparative politics, these two concepts play a vital role. They consider the various roles played by states across the globe, as well as the way different states are organized and structured. For instance, although the United States and many African countries are democratic and have functioning states, the way these states operate and function are different. This is right from the process of installing a state leader; to the way, that leader conducts state business. The diversity of states and institutions around the world is, therefore, centrally located at the heart of understanding comparative politics.

Question 3
Democracy outlines the power of the people in the political and leadership process. Democracy is the concept through which people bestow power and authority to leaders of their choice. In other words, people have the right and freedom to bestow and reap off power from leaders. Through democracy, the people install a government in place based on their preference and leadership prospects. On the other hand, democratization is the process through which democracy is realized. That is to say, democracy is the final outcome of democratization. The movement from anarchy to an organized and structured form of leadership and governance is a process of democratization.

Democracy and democratization are influenced by a number of factors, all of which emanate from the underlying concerns. The need to practice personal autonomy in putting a government in place and influencing the way that government runs its business serves as a primary influencing variable. Democracy involves every single member of society and the nation at large. The democratization process is also influenced by the need for accountability, transparency, fairness, and equity.