Western foreign policy, when push comes to shove: Democracy sacrificed for Stability?

[Idaho]

You have to compare countries with similar economic situations to even approach a reasonable comparison. I thought that was so obvious I didn't need to stipulate.

[al Roumi]

You have to compare countries with similar economic situations to even approach a reasonable comparison. I thought that was so obvious I didn't need to stipulate.

well yah. But surely more than just economics? no?

[Idaho]

well yah. But surely more than just economics? no?

Economic mode defines political superstructure. Political structure is the very expression of economics.

[al Roumi]

Economic mode defines political superstructure. Political structure is the very expression of economics.

I'm not sure about that tbh. I'm aware of evidence that democracies (on average) promote an extra percentage point or so of growth but I'm not convinced you can be so cock-sure of the particular causality of a country's economy on its political structure. Could you explain what you are getting at?

[Idaho]

I'm not sure about that tbh. I'm aware of evidence that democracies (on average) promote an extra percentage point or so of growth but I'm not convinced you can be so cock-sure of the particular causality of a country's economy on its political structure. Could you explain what you are getting at?

This is basic political theory guys - nothing radical.

[al Roumi]

This is basic political theory guys - nothing radical.

Indulge me then. How does a "country's economic mode define its political superstructure", or point me in the irection of a handy reference. From what I see of the world, the focus on economy (barring possible meanings of economic mode) and nothing else seems utterly incomplete.

Edit: (I'm an Engineer by the way so don't be surprised that I've not studied basic political theory)

[Idaho]

Political power is wielded by those who demand it and cannot be turned away.

In an agrarian economy, it is the land owners who hold power. They defend their interests against a monarch through titles, and confer these titles within their families. Political modes: feudalism, colonial slave/plantation systems.

In an early industrial economy, the land owners and factory owners hold power. Rule of law is important for stable investments and contracts. Political modes: constitutional monarchy, mercantile capitalism, limited franchise democracy.

Middle industrial economy creates a booming middle class. This in turn demands political power to match rising economic power - franchise gets extended. You know what a late industrial economy looks like, and it's political mode.

In addition to this you get other types of economies such as the primary industry economies in the developing world and the middle east. They have vast mineral wealth, but it's controlled by a small political elite and only needs a fraction of the population to extract it. These have very similar political and economic structures to the agrarian economies - essentially fuedal.

This is a good introduction:

Barrington Moore - Origins of Democracy and Dictatorship

[Fragony]

You have to compare countries with similar economic situations to even approach a reasonable comparison. I thought that was so obvious I didn't need to stipulate.

There really aren't any economy's to compare to draw any conclusion whatsoever, unless you want to live in the alternative reality that is social theory. If things would be better it would be better, is that really a point?

[Idaho]

There really aren't any economy's to compare to draw any conclusion whatsoever, unless you want to live in the alternative reality that is social theory. If things would be better it would be better, is that really a point?

Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore are the only non-western nations which have a similar level of western wealth...and unamazingly, they have similar capitalist democracies.

[Fragony]

Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore are the only non-western nations which have a similar level of western wealth...and unamazingly, they have similar capitalist democracies.

Yes and my little pony also has 4 legs, giraffes as well but the have longer necks and are yellow

[Idaho]

Yes and my little pony also has 4 legs, giraffes as well but the have longer necks and are yellow

I offer examples time after time Fragony, and you just make unbased assertions.

[Fragony]

I offer examples time after time Fragony, and you just make unbased assertions.

I'm being realistic, you on the other hand are in love with your idea on how things should be, I don't have to check any map I already know the asian country's aren't like the middle-east