Comparative Politics: Electoral Systems and Analytical Methods
Comparative Political Analysis
Hypothesis: Countries that use proportional representation are more likely to have multi-party legislatures than countries that use first-past-the-post voting systems.
In comparative politics, the method of agreement and the method of difference are tools we use to figure out what might be causing certain political outcomes by comparing different countries. They help us look beyond surface differences and get to the root of what really matters.
The Method of Agreement
The method of agreement looks at countries that all end up with the same outcome, even though they’re different in a lot of other ways. The goal is to find one key thing they all have in common, which might be what’s causing the outcome.
For example, let’s say we want to understand why some countries have low levels of women in their national legislatures. If we compare the U.S., India, and Japan, we’ll see that these countries differ in terms of culture, economy, and geography—but they all have low female representation. One major thing they share is that they all use majoritarian electoral systems like first-past-the-post. That might suggest that this kind of voting system makes it harder for women to get elected, possibly because it favors individual candidates and established party figures over inclusive party lists.
The Method of Difference
The method of difference does the opposite. Here, we look at countries that are similar in most ways but end up with different outcomes. This helps us zero in on what’s different between them that might explain the change.
For instance, we could compare Sweden and Canada—both are wealthy democracies with strong education systems and similar political freedoms. But Sweden has much higher levels of women in parliament than Canada. A big difference between them is their electoral system: Sweden uses proportional representation, while Canada uses first-past-the-post. This might mean PR systems are better at encouraging gender balance, possibly because parties can use gender quotas or create more balanced candidate lists.
Both methods are useful in different ways. The method of agreement helps us find a common pattern across different countries with the same result, while the method of difference helps us focus in on what’s unique about one country that leads to a different result. When we use both methods together, we can build a stronger case for what might be causing a political outcome.
Global Political and Social Issues
- Parental Benefits Across Countries – NPR – The U.S. lacks federal paid parental leave and affordable childcare, making child-rearing expensive. In contrast, countries like Sweden, Singapore, South Korea, Estonia, and Canada offer generous parental benefits, including paid leave and financial incentives, to encourage higher birth rates amid aging populations.
- Collective Action for the Climate – DW Eco Africa Video – This video highlights community-led initiatives across Africa addressing climate change. Projects include sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and renewable energy solutions, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in combating environmental challenges.
- Democracy in 2024 Global Elections – NPR – The 2024 global elections revealed a mixed state of democracy. While some countries upheld democratic processes, others experienced setbacks due to authoritarian tendencies, misinformation, and electoral manipulation, raising concerns about the resilience of democratic institutions worldwide.
- Racial Identity in Brazil – The Washington Post – Brazil is witnessing a shift in racial self-identification, with more individuals embracing Black or mixed-race identities. This change is influenced by affirmative action policies and global movements for racial justice, challenging the country’s traditional views on race and identity.
- Villano Antillano: Femininity as Empowerment – NPR – Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano discusses how embracing femininity serves as both a shield and a superpower in her music and activism. She challenges gender norms and uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the music industry.
- Pussy Riot’s Activism – YouTube Video – This video delves into the Russian feminist punk rock group Pussy Riot’s use of performance art and music as forms of political protest. Their activism highlights issues of free speech, government oppression, and the role of art in social movements.
- Nobel Prize: Institutions and Economic Growth – NPR – The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to researchers emphasizing the critical role of strong institutions in fostering economic growth. Their work underscores how legal frameworks, property rights, and governance structures significantly impact a nation’s prosperity.
- Freedom on the Net 2024 – Freedom House – The report highlights a global decline in internet freedom, with governments increasingly censoring content and manipulating information to influence elections. Such actions undermine democratic processes and erode public trust in online platforms.
- Political Turmoil in South Korea – The Washington Post – South Korea faced significant political upheaval, including the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over a controversial martial law declaration. Subsequent resignations and legal challenges among top officials have led to a period of instability ahead of upcoming elections.
- South Korea’s Presidential Crisis – NPR – President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office following his declaration of martial law, deemed unconstitutional. The incident has sparked debates about executive overreach and the strength of democratic institutions in South Korea.