Overview
Question 1: The literature on the welfare state in advanced industrial democracies focuses on four major factors determining whether nations respond to inequality with government redistribution: state capacity, leftist parties, war, and democracy. First, explain how each factor is thought to be related to the development of the welfare state. Next, explain counter-arguments for each factor.
Question 2: The decision to open markets to international trade and capital is very consequential for domestic politics. According to the readings in the course so far, under what conditions do governments open their markets? How is market openness related to government expenditure on social welfare, education, and health?