THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES GLOBAL CAMPUS
Semester 3 (Summer) – 2023/2024
GOVT 1000 – Introduction to Political Institutions and Analysis
Course Instructor: Ms. Joy Wilson
Individual Assignment
Name: Diedra Warner- Francis
Student ID: 320060592
Date Due: 12th July 2024
Essay One: Political Analysis – More than a Talk Shop
Political analysis is an essential discipline for understanding the complex nature of
governance, the shifting nature of political conflicts, and the ever-changing scope of public
administration and policy. The perspectives on the concept of political analysis are numerous.
Osaghae (1988) defines ‘political analysis’ as the various methods, theories, concept and
approaches employed by a political scientist to summarize and explain various themes, political
experience, events, political issues and phenomena. In addition to this definition, Osaghae (1988)
as cited by Ambe-Uva (2020) outlines that political analysis has three main goals, specifically, to
understand what matters in politics—those factors that impact or decide how events turn out; to
understand what is valuable—the impact that each political decision has on our goals, both
personally and socially; and to discern what is true or real by carefully checking our
assumptions, perceptions, common beliefs, and even rumors.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary (2012) describes the phrase “talk shop” as a group
or gathering that spends more time, effort, and resources on discussing policy or possible actions
than doing anything meaningful. Oftentimes political analysis feels like talking shops, but
political analysis is far more than simple chatter. Some political writers share an opposing
perspective with regards to political analysis being a ‘talk shop’. For instance, “Talk Shop is an
active way of getting to grips with tricky public policy issues. It encourages people to search for
workable solutions rather than to repeat mantras from press or politicians, and it promotes the
search for consensus.” (Yarnit, 2015, para.4).
To better understand why political analysis is more than talk shops, consider the
following benefits of such engagement. Firstly, they promote creativity and innovation by
providing a platform for diverse viewpoints and ideas. When people engage in thoughtful
analysis and exchange ideas, they contribute to better decision-making and problem-solving. A
thorough examination of political issues allows individuals and policymakers to make informed
decisions. Understanding the intricacies of policies, historical context, and potential
consequences fosters better decision-making.
Political analysis also allows citizens to hold politicians’ feet to the fire. By scrutinizing
their actions, policies, and results, citizens can demand transparency and good governance.
Lastly, they enable the public to participate in discussions, expressing their opinions,
contributing to the democratic process. According to Hudson (2018) as cited in Anciano (2022),
political analysis cannot be less important when it captures and analyzes political, economic and
social restrictions against what is to be achieved.
An examination of the types of political analysis provides a level of comprehension that
supports the idea that ‘talk shops’ centered around political systems and processes are more than
meaningless gathering of individuals simply ‘talking’ about issues. This point is supported by
Dahlgren (2006) who opined that dialogue at this level is a way of making obvious a sense of
connection between citizens and the democratic process.
Considering the evidence presented, it is rational to say that political analysis is more
than just a ‘talk shop’ or casual conversation. It is apparent that these benefits are derived from
the joint outcomes of the different types of political analysis. These forums have a reputation for
perhaps producing less obvious results right away, but they also offer several advantages that
support democratic processes and the advancement of society. While discussions about politics
can often seem like lengthy chatter, they play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the
issues and informing decision-makers.
Essay Two: Combining Approaches for a Comprehensive Analysis
Political analysis is no easy feat, and while it may be a common belief that the normative
approach to political analysis is the most comprehensive and effective above the others, I
disagree with the statement simply because of the complex and dynamic nature of politics both
in the traditional and contemporary contexts. The normative approach to analysis focuses on the
moral and ethical context of political decisions and examines the value judgements which
underpin assumptions about the worth of different actions and outcomes (The Concise Oxford
Dictionary of Politics, 2009). Normative studies, which are frequently contrasted with empirical
analysis, focus on how individuals, groups, and organizations should act rather than just how
they currently do.
Though the empirical, semantic, historical and normative approaches differ in their
methodologies and goals, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can complement each
other in many ways. One such way is policy formulation. Some points of comparison between
the different approaches regarding a proposed policy on same sex marriage will be examined.
Normative principles, values and ideals guides policy formulation by proposing desired
outcomes; what is ideal or acceptable. It may explore questions such as - should same sex
marriage be legalized? and assess policies based on ideological, philosophical and moral
considerations. Using this approach, policies and decisions are guided by the norms and
processes of the institution or country rather than personal biases. The norm is that historically,
marriage has been defined as between one man and one woman. However, advocates may argue
that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is discriminatory.
Empirical analysis provides policymakers with evidence-based data. It evaluates the
effectiveness of existing policies by identifying their strengths, weaknesses and unintended
effects. Take for example these pertinent questions: Are there studies on same sex marriage in
the Caribbean? What is its impact on society? In short, empirical analysis helps policymakers
make informed decisions by providing them with evidenced based data.
Historical analysis helps policymakers to understand how and why existing policies were
implemented. By analyzing past events to current challenges, historical analysis provides
valuable lessons to policymakers, helping them to navigate complex challenges and avoid
repeating past mistakes. For example, my historical understanding of marriage is that marriage is
between a man and woman. In a nutshell, historical analysis offers new ideas, challenges
assumptions and bridges the data gap for policy makers.
Semantic analysis helps to understand the context and meaning behind words used in
policy discourse. It reveals hidden assumptions and interpretive bias which is crucial for learning
and understanding. Without biases, interpretation of data would be challenging. However, it can
also be exploited to distort the truth. On the other hand, policymakers can benefit by knowing
how language shape public opinion and adjusting policy messages accordingly. For example,
proponents of same sex characterize homosexuality as an identity while opponents view it as a
behaviour. Nevertheless, it’s the personal biases of government ministers coupled with
international pressure that will frame the discourse on same sex marriage.
One of the limitations of the normative approach is that different people or groups can
have different values and priorities. It is the difficulty in operationalizing and measuring the
ideals and values it advocates for. It can be difficult to determine how these principles operate in
practice and to evaluate whether they have been achieved or not. This can make it difficult to
arrive at a consensus on what constitutes justice, liberty or equality, and can lead to ongoing
debates and conflicts. “Understanding the various kinds of theories and their underlying
methods of reasoning is crucial for any political science student. Not only does it provide the
theoretical foundation necessary for advanced study and research, but also the analytical tools to
critically evaluate political phenomena in a nuanced manner.” (Stoychev,2024, p.48)
Policymakers often combine these approaches. Normative considerations set the direction
for policy formulation; empirical evidence informs implementation; historical context provides
valuable lessons, and semantic awareness ensures effective communication. The interplay of
these approaches contributes to well-informed and balanced policy decisions. Gerring &
Yesnowitz (2006) discuss how meaningless and misleading the approaches are apart from each
other, that is, they must be made to work together. In the field of political theory, philosophy and
science cannot substitute one another. Any effort in political theory which unites empirical
results with normative reasoning by subjecting them to thorough scrutiny can serve as an avenue
for innovation in political theory on the grounds of which we may venture into the future. (Sahu,
2022)
In summary, normative aspirations set the direction for policy formulation, while
empirical analysis provides evidence on whether those policies are effective in practice.
Combining all three of these approaches helps integrate the objective, value-oriented, and
subjective elements of political analysis, thereby yielding more thorough and comprehensive
findings. Through data-driven analysis, the empirical method offers objectivity and reliability; it
may thus overlook subjective variations. Though it is theoretical and subjective, the normative
approach places moral concerns front and first and guides policy according on moral standards.
Although the semantic approach guarantees concepts are easily understood and helps to clarify
political communication, it might be unnecessarily fixated on language. These approaches used
together provide an integrated structure for political analysis, each targeting many aspects of
political events and therefore improving our knowledge of politics.
Essay Three: Interwoven Powers - Legislative and Executive Branches
The arms or branches of government are the Legislative, Executive and the Judicial.
However, this essay focuses on the legislative and executive branches. The primary function of
the legislative branch is to enact laws whether it’s a unicameral or bicameral system. The main
responsibility of the executive branch is to ensure that enacted laws are implemented effectively.
This includes enforcing regulations and policies. The legislative and executive play a crucial role
in supporting effective government. Its success depends on the beneficial or detrimental
connection between these institutions. Presidential and parliamentary systems differ in
democratic systems in how independent the legislative and executive branches are and how
much power each must have to oversee the other. (Openstax, n.d.)
There is frequently substantial cooperation between the legislative and executive branches.
Members of the executive are a subset of the legislature. In parliamentary systems, overlap is
greatest. Parliamentarians make up the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet). This
combination of powers makes the executive liable to the legislative and separated by noconfidence vote. For example, in countries like St Kitts and Britain, there is a fusion of powers.
The Prime Minister who is the head of parliament is normally the head of the executive.
Similarly, in federal like the United States, while the legislative and the executive bodies are
separate, there is some overlap. For instance, the president can propose legislation, although the
president lacks the power to directly enact laws, their proposals shape the legislative agenda and
Congress can influence executive actions through oversight and funding. (Dahl, 2001)
Additionally, during state of the union address or budget proposal, the president will
communicate his legislative agenda.
In some instances, conflict can arise between both branches. According to Rockman
(1983) as cited by Momodu & Matudi (2013), views pride and personality clash, executive
supremacy, ignorance of the constitution, functional overlapping, and legislative oversight as
causes of executive-legislative conflict. Regardless of the conflicts, the overlapping of these two
arms proves productive as highlighted by Dahl (2001) in the following ways: First, it improves
government responsiveness and efficiency. Without new legislation, executive agencies can
quickly enact and change policies. Second, checks and balances prevent any branch from
becoming too powerful. Executive authority and legislative monitoring promote mutual
responsibility.
Although the legislative and executive branches of government have distinct duties and
responsibilities, their overlap is both destined and vital for the effective operation of government.
This overlap guarantees a balance of power, improves responsiveness, and facilitates practical
governance. To prevent the abuse of power and preserve democratic accountability, it is
imperative to exercise vigilant oversight.
Essay Four: Globalization – Examining its Impact on the Caribbean territory of St. Kitts
and Nevis
Globalization has a long and fascinating history, as well as varying perspectives
concerning its definition. Ocampo & Martin (2003) define globalization as “the growing
influence exerted at the local, national and regional levels by financial, economic, environmental,
political, social and cultural processes that are global in scope.” Globalization has largely
transformed our world into one global community which inevitably results in significant changes
in economic, political and social.
Economic Globalization – The United Nations describes Economic globalization as the
increasing interdependence of world economies because of the growing scale of cross-border
trade of commodities and services, flow of international capital and wide and rapid spread of
technologies. It reflects the continuing expansion and mutual integration of market frontiers and
is an irreversible trend for the economic development in the whole world at the turn of the
millennium.
Political Globalization – Manfred (2003) refers to Political Globalization as the
intensification and expansion of political interrelations across the globe. One aspect of political
globalization is the creation of supra-territorial institutions that transcend national borders. These
institutions are interconnected by common norms, interests and objectives (Manfred 2003).
These institutions include but are not limited to Non-Governmental Organizations, Transnational
corporations, security, trade alliances and so on. For example, the European Union (EU) is a
trade and treaty bloc comprising of twenty-seven (27) nation states on the European continent.
Social Globalization - People to people interaction facilitated by immigration and
tourism, cultural exchange, information flows, technology dissemination and exchange of ideas
through the medium of radio, TV channels, newspapers, telephone, and internet helped in
disseminating new idea from developed to less developed countries (De-Soysa & Vadlamannati,
2011).
Globalization has impacted St Kitts and Nevis both positively and negatively, influencing
its economy, connectivity, and environmental resilience. Here are some of the keyways:
Loss of jobs - One of the most significant impacts is the loss of jobs due to manufacturing
companies exploiting the benefits of technology and relocating production to countries with
lower labor costs. In the past twenty years the St Kitts has witnessed the closure of four
manufacturing companies. Many workers mainly women found themselves unemployed as their
employers take advantage of cheaper wages offered by foreign markets such the Philippines and
India. According to (Glyn & Sutcliffe 1992) the main determinants of income and employment
can now only be understood at a global and no longer a national level.
Economic Diversification: To foster economic growth and reduce its dependence on sugar
because of its high production cost and competition from global markets, the government of St
Kitts and Nevis was forced to diversify the economy into tourism, manufacturing and services.
The Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) was established in 1984 as one of those alternatives to
sugar. The Program has played a significant role in transforming the country’s economy and the
lives of its citizens and continues to be the largest driver of revenue.
Climate Change Vulnerability: St. Kitts and Nevis like most small island developing State
(SIDS) is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, hurricanes, floods
and droughts and changing precipitation patterns pose significant risks. These threats endanger
the country’s ecosystems, infrastructure, economy and coastal areas, where a large portion of the
population resides.
St. Kitts and Nevis benefits and suffers from globalization. Globalization has increased
tourism and local businesses by attracting travelers. Therefore, tourism dependence makes the
economy sensitive to global economic risk. Benefits must be compatible with environmental,
cultural, and economic resilience.
References
Ambe-Uva, T.N. (2020). POL 311 Contemporary Political Analysis.
https://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/POL%20311%20Nov%202020.pdf
Anciano, J. (2002, July 22). Introduction to Political Analysis and Research.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/introduction-to-political-analysisppt/252283245
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.. (2012). Retrieved June 24 2024 from
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/talking+shop
Dahl, R. A. (2001). How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Yale University Press.
Dahlgren, P. (2006) ‘Doing Citizenship. The cultural origins of civic agency in the
public sphere’, European Journal of Cultural Studies 9, 3: 267-286.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313431109_'Ooh_politics_You're_brave'_Politi
cs_in_everyday_talk_an_analysis_of_'non-political_'_online_space
DeSoysa, I., Vadlamannati, K.C. (2001). Does Being Bound Together Suffocate, or Liberate?
The Effects of Economic, Social, and Political Globalization on Human Rights, 1981–
2005.
https://econpapers.repec.org/article/blakyklos/v_3a64_3ay_3a2011_3ai_3a1_3ap_3a2053.htm
Momodu, A. J. & Matudi, G.I (2013). The Implications of Executive-Legislative Conflicts on
Good Governance in Nigeria. Vol.3, No.8. 234668981.pdf (core.ac.uk)
Munroe, T. (2002). An Introduction to Politics – Lectures for First Year Students (3rd. Ed.),
Canoe Press
National Conference of State Legislatures (2021). Separation of Powers – An Overview
https://www.ncsl.org/about-state-legislatures/separation-of-powers-an-overview
National Geographic (n.d.). The Global Network.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/global-network/
Openstax (n.d.) Introduction to Political Science - 9.2 What is the difference between
Parliamentary and Presidential Systems? https://openstax.org/books/introductionpolitical-science/pages/9-2-what-is-the-difference-between-parliamentary-andpresidential-systems
Osaghae, E. (1988). Political Analysis. Ibadan: University of Ibadan External Studies
Programme.https://old.edouniversity.edu.ng/oerrepository/articles/introduction_to_politic
al_analysis_lecture_notes.pdf
Political Science Blog. (Jan.23, 2023) Approaches to Political Theory: Normative, Historical
and Empirical https://politicalscienceblog.com/approaches-to-political-theory/
Sahu, K. (2022). What is Political Theory: Two Approaches – Normative and Empirical
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/57829/1/Unit1.pdf
Stoychev, S. P. (2024, p.48). Quantitative Political Analysis. St. Kliment Ohridski University
Press
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379513662_Quantitative_Political_Analysis
Sutcliffe, B., & Glyn, A. (1999). Still Underwhelmed: Indicators of Globalization and Their
Misinterpretation. Review of Radical Political Economics, 31(1), 111131. https://doi.org/10.1177/048661349903100106
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3rd Ed.) (2009)
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100238781?p=e
mailACcU9nwI8o352&d=/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100238781
Yarnit, M. (2015, June 9) Talk Shop – Making sense of the big issues, together
https://pascalobservatory.org/pascalnow/blogentry/talk-shop-%E2%80%93-makingsense-big-issues-together