PYQ Vault · Paper 2 · Comparative Politics
Describe the changing nature of Comparative Politics. Briefly explain the Political Economy approach to the study of Comparative Politics.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
re CP defined by method, not subject matter → the method itself keeps being redefined e2 formal-legal description → scientific, process-based analysis → contemporary interdisciplinary phase
Body flow
_legal-institutional origin (Aristotle; description over analysis) → post-war critique of institutionalism → behavioural/process turn → Easton’s systems theory (empirical, scientific) → von Beyme’s three phases: pre-modern → modern → contemporary/interdisciplinary → contemporary phase absorbs politicaleconomy → PE: politics and economy shape each other (Marx — interdisciplinary) → roots: Kautilya’s Arthashastra → Smith’s Wealth of Nations → PE explains state’s macroeconomic policy, development, global economy
Counter-view
ounter-view the two strands inside PE pull opposite ways: liberal laissez-faire markets vs Marxist class exploitation
Conclusion routes
sion routes re! PE as one product of CP’s contemporary, interdisciplinary turn e2 PE ties domestic institutions and state policy to the global economy
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
