POL353: Comparative Politics

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length for each question. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.

Due, Tuesday, June 6, 2015

1. Discuss whether Iran is really a theocracy. Iran has an Expediency Council that decides when it is in the state's interest to follow Islamic doctrine. Would this suggest the country is a theocracy or something else? What other elements of Iranian government structure and operation support your argument that Iran is or is not a theocracy?

2. Nigerian democracy faces some of the greatest challenges in the entire world. A multi-ethnic country with a legacy of colonialism, competition for natural resources and massive education, violence and health challenges. Discuss whether you believe democracy will and can take hold in developing countries of Africa. What are the biggest challenges from the Nigerian case for democracy? When there are many competing interest & ethnic groups in a country such as Nigeria, does this hinder Nigerian indigenous government performance?