Politics Archives

The U.S. and Taiwan: Is Defending Against China Smart?

Should the U.S. deploy troops to defend Taiwan if China launches an invasion? Why or why not? The U.S. and Taiwan are deeply connected in the conflict between China, with the U.S. backing Taiwan in policy for decades. However, generations of tension between China and Taiwan have escalated recently, leaving Americans wondering how to respond if China launches an invasion. Read on to learn about the U.S. and Taiwan relations and the pros and cons of defending against a Chinese invasion.

Why Inclusive Political Institutions Create Power & Wealth

What are inclusive political institutions? Why do they create prosperous nations? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson explain that inclusive nations—those with free and fair economies and governments—succeed. According to them, inclusive political and economic institutions are the backbone of a thriving nation. Read on to learn why inclusive political institutions create a powerful and wealthy nation, according to Why Nations Fail.

Taiwan and China Relations: Past and Present Conflicts

Why have Taiwan and China relations deteriorated recently? Will the conflict lead to war? What will be the United States’ role? Decades of tension between China and Taiwan have reached a boiling point recently, leading to a higher probability of war. Many expect the United States to defend Taiwan if China launches a full-on invasion, but some aren’t sure if military intervention is worth the risks. Keep reading to learn about the status of Taiwan and China’s relations and the consequences of the conflict.

The Gun Control Debate: The 5 Problems With NICS

What are the main points in the gun control debate in the U.S.? Why are background checks central to the conflict? Since 1993, all firearms dealers have been required to consult the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to verify that a prospective customer is legally eligible to own firearms before the sale. However, there are differing points of view on the flaws within the NICS system. Read on to learn the five main problems with the NICS and how gun control and rights advocates respond.

Extractive Political Institutions: How & Why They Exist

What are extractive political institutions? How do they come into power? What makes a nation extractive? According to the book Why Nations Fail, political institutions determine how a nation creates the rules that citizens live under. Whether a country adopts extractive or inclusive institutions also determines who wields power in society and how they wield it. Read on to learn how and why extractive political institutions are created, according to Why Nations Fail.

Why Nations Fail: Book Overview & Takeaways

Want an overview of the Why Nations Fail book? What are the book’s key ideas and takeaways? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson try to answer why some nations have wealth and high standards of living while others struggle with poverty and instability. They argue that the answer to this question has to do with freedom and fairness in a nation’s economy and government. Keep reading for an overview of the Why Nations Fail book by Acemoglu and Robinson.

Background Checks for Gun Control: Effective or Useless?

Why are background checks important for gun purchases? Does this system really help to prevent gun violence? The background check required before a gun sale is meant to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. However, critics of the background check system point out flaws like private sale loopholes and incomplete or incorrect data on potential gun buyers. Keep reading for an overview of background checks for gun control and whether the system is working or broken.

What Is Political Development? How Countries Evolve

What is political development? What drives a country to evolve? Authors Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson argue that failing nations follow an “exclusive” structure (exploiting citizens to benefit national leaders). In How Nations Fail, they explain how political development can drive exclusive countries to become free, fair, and accessible to society at large. Read on to learn how political development can change a failing nation into a successful one, or vice versa.

The 2 Things Successful Countries Do to Thrive

What makes a country successful? What do successful countries do differently than failing nations? In the book Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson explain why some nations have wealth and high standards of living while others struggle with poverty and instability. They argue that freedom and fairness in a nation’s economy and government are the answer. Keep reading to learn the two reasons why successful countries thrive, according to Acemoglu and Robinson.

What Causes Inequality? Analyzing the 3 Leading Theories

What causes inequality in the world? Why are some countries prosperous while others struggle to survive? In Why Nations Fail, economist Daron Acemoglu and political scientist James A. Robinson argue that current theories on national failure are flawed. They further explain that successful nations have political and economic institutions that are “open” while failing nations have “exclusive” institutions. Read on to learn what really causes inequality and why the top theories are flawed, according to Acemoglu and Robinson.