PSC 342LEC—Politics of Developing Nations

This course examines the politics of developing nations. As the world has become increasingly interconnected, the political issues and controversies facing developing nations have become more relevant to world politics. The course will begin by distinguishing the developing world, highlighting how the governments and economies of developing countries differ from those of advanced industrial countries. Next, students will consider how the differences between developing and developed countries shape their interstate relations and account for differences in their political economies. Finally, the course will discuss contemporary issues and how relations between developing and developed countries are likely to change in the future. Specific topics covered in this course include the North-South wealth divide, dependency theory, the politics of economic reform, societal transformation via modernization, the effects of globalization, the problems of nation-building, the impact of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and the politics of foreign aid.