Wed, Mar 1

Ch. 9, Communism and Postcommunism

Discussion

1. Which type of institutional transformation is most important for postcommunist countries? Why?
2. Which type of institutional transformation is most difficult for postcommunist countries? Why?
3. Is transitioning from communism more complicated than you thought it would be? How so, or why not?
4. How would you characterize the prospects for postcommunist states in the coming years, and why?
5. How would you characterize the prospects for communist ideology in the coming years, and why?
6. Answer the questions and title for each chapter box ("Institutions in Action" and "Questions and Methods").

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Ch. 10, Developing Countries

Discussion

1. What new thing(s) did you learn from this chapter? What familiar thing(s) did you encounter? How do each of these things shape your understanding of politics in developing countries?
2. What are two of the most challenging issues or experiences that developing countries tend to face? How might each of these challenges be realistically and effectively addressed?
3. What are two of the least challenging issues or experiences that developing countries tend to face? How might each of these be realistically and effectively addressed?
4. After reading Chapters 8 and 10 of O'Neil's book, how likely do you think it is that (at least some) developing countries will become developed democracies? Explain your answer.