POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• identify the origins of the modern nation state system;
  
• define the chief characteristics of a nation state;
  
• differentiate between nations and nation-states;
  
• define sovereignty and identify and explain trends in sovereignty;
  
• identify characteristics of a strong and weak state;
  
• explain how Hobbes and Weber conceptualize the state;
  
• define sovereignty and identify and explain trends in sovereignty;
  
• differentiate between authoritarian and totalitarian states; and
  
• identify sources for authoritarian states.