POLI+385+Template

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT TEMPLATE

Various impediments to political development

History affects the present in many ways

Colonial rulers: Spain in our case US interventions Cold War legacy Effect of Cuba and Venezuela and other leftist places on these countries This country vis-a-vis major powers currently: US, Russia, China, UK U.S. sanctions against the country Strings attached by US Congress to foreign aid allocations (CRS Reports)

Civil wars/fight for independence/wars with neighboring countries IDP Internally Displaced Persons (disasters, civil war) Reconciliation problems from past wars/atrocities Role of disputes with neighboring countries Role of military: external; internal (in policing, for example)

Dictators History of coups d'état/ military takeovers Role of militias/hit squads in past/currently (left-wing or right-wing or both) ++++++++++

Pressures from international (UN) and regional (OAS) organizations, and financial donors (like US): human rights, corruption, impunity, etc.

Natural disasters: hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes IDP Internally Displaced Persons

Economics: One-crop or one-product economy Dependence--these days--on the price of oil ++++++++++

Corruption

Culture of impunity

Lack of security Crime Gang activity Narco-trafficing

Poverty Inequality (role of elites)

Migrations: To US To other countries Remittances role in budget

Homogeneity problems: Language(s) Ethnic strife Indigenous groups Tribal rivalries Role of terror groups/insurgents

Role of religion: Catholic Church leadership Liberation Theology Evangelical activity Religious enmity: (Muslim-Christian, for example)