POLS I
1. We will now look at emerging nations and the problems inherent in establishing new forms of
government. Last week you should have seen that government change occurs when large
enough faction gain sizable currency and popularity for regime change. However, regime change
is always dangerous as it creates instability. If you recall some of our ancient political analysts
(Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Hobbes, and Locke) you’ll see that they were extremely wary of what
they saw as unnecessary and culturally inconsistent regime change. They also warned against
alienation and radicalization. The idea here is that if we are to have regime change, the regime
must fit the overall or popular culture of the people it seeks to command.
2.
Access our class website and look for the “Kosovo” Link.
3. Read or listen to the transcript. Take good notes. Focus particularly on what is happening and
why.
4. Next, focus on the conversation itself: Do you get a sense that the two people speaking are procommunism or Islam or not? Explain. Also, what do they say about radicalization? Explain. Why
is it dangerous? Explain.