POLSCI 369 - Chapter 4

Outline some of the views structuralists have about globalization. Why do they tend to be so critical of it?

- believe that globalization is just a front used by core nations to exploit the periphery (advanced capitalism) - feel that it weakens local environmental laws, exploits labor, and is a major cause of poverty

Lenin argued that capitalism was able to delay its crisis through international expansion. Explain what Lenin meant by imperialism. Outline several examples of imperialism in the global political economy today.

- centralization of market power that allowed wealthy nations to expand their realm of economic control by controlling and manipulating less developed countries - rich countries got richer while stunting the economic growth of less developed states - outsourcing: cheap labor, use of sweat shops and child labor in U.S. outsourced industries - military outposts in other countries - monopolization of public goods

What specific factors do structuralists think have contributed to rising inequality in industrialized countries since the 1980s?

- intervention of the United States in the affairs of other nations - offered "protections" in return for economic favors - War on Terrorism; islamophobia - exacerbate class structures - prevent poor nations from developing

Imagine a structuralist and neoliberal having a discussion about globalization—its many positive and negative features. What sorts of ideas would they agree on and disagree about?

Agree: current implementation extrapolates individuals and prevents them from utilizing their rights and freedoms Disagree: liberals believe that mutual cooperation between nations are beneficial, even if more beneficial for one party than the other

Which of these statements is correct? a) In 2014 approximately 15 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the top 1 percent of Americans. b) In 2014 approximately 20 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the bottom 50 percent of Americans. c) In 2014 approximately 40 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the top 10 percent of Americans. d) All of these statements are correct

All of these statements are correct

Which of the following most closely resembles Marx's definition of class? a) Class is determined by ownership of capital, which can be mixed with labor to form a commodity that is profitably sold. b) Class is defined by income, with the amount of money earned signifying one's position. c) Classes are delineated based on property ownership. d) Class is nonexistent; all capital is communally owned.

Class is determined by ownership of capital, which can be mixed with labor to form a commodity that is profitably sold

How does neoimperialism differ from classical imperialism? a) International organizations create laws and policies for member nations. b) States no longer need to occupy other countries in order to exploit them. c) After a war, nations install leaders of their choosing in the conquered country. d) Security interests replace economic motives for going abroad

States no longer need to occupy other countries in order to exploit them

According to dependency theory, why do LDCs remain underdeveloped? a) They are dependent on food aid to keep their population alive. b) LDCs are unable to attract investment and thus rely on loans from international institutions. c) Their dependency on industrialized nations prevents them from acquiring capital and technology for their own development. d) They are unable to transition from capitalism to socialism.

Their dependency on industrialized nations prevents them from acquiring capital and technology for their own development

The process by which inherently unstable opposing economic forces and counterforces lead to crisis, revolution, and to the next stage of history is called: a) evolution. b) class conflict. c) a dialectical process. d) law of disproportionality.

a dialectical process

Compare and contrast structuralism with mercantilism and liberalism in the following areas: a. the dominant actors b. political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior c. the role of the state in the economy

a. classes (upper vs working); states; individuals b. exploitation and control of wealth; gaining wealth; sponsoring self-interest c. preserves the interest of the upper class; preserves interest of government/manufacturers; protects individual rights

Lenin believed that capitalism was able to postpone its crisis by: a) government policies that increase the rate of profit. b) exploiting less developed countries through imperialism. c) progressive taxes that produce a more equitable distribution of income. d) Keynesian economic policies that reduce the chance of another Great Depression.

exploiting less developed countries through imperialism

Which one of the following refers to the privately-owned assets used to produce the commodities in an economy? a) the means of production b) the mode of production c) false consciousness d) private property

the means of production

The basic idea behind "structuralism" is that: a) the structure of the international political economy—namely capitalism—conditions its outcome. b) the core exploits the proletariat. c) the state exploits the market. d) wealth is necessary for power.

the structure of the international political economy—namely capitalism—conditions its outcome