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Course: Topics in Comparative Politics:
Citizen Participation in Policy Formulation
within a Globalized Economy- A Nicaraguan Case Study
Political Science 459
Instructor: Suyen Barahona. BA.
International Relations. Msc. Environmental Policy. Ohio University.
Location and Context of Course
Nicaragua as part of the CGE Central America
semester program entitled “Sustainable Development and Social Change;”
To be taught in both Spring and Fall semesters
“Greater participation
by the population is no longer a vague ideology based on the good wishes
of a few idealists. It has become an imperative - a condition of
survival."
- UNDP, Human Development
Report, 1993
Issues of transparency,
accountability and citizen participation are at the center of the debate
in the field of development policy-making. The forces of globalization
and economic liberalization are reshaping the environment in which state
institutions operate, changing what it means for people to have a say in
how they are governed. These issues are especially relevant in
Nicaragua, a small developing country where people often times feel they
have little influence over the policies being implemented in their
country. Citizens are calling for greater accountability both from the
government as well as international institutions.
This course aims to expose
you to key debates shaping the participation of civil society groups in
the formulation and implementation of economic/development policy in
Nicaragua. Special emphasis is placed on examining and analyzing the
interplay between local and global processes such as globalization and
neoliberal economic policies applied in Nicaragua. Some questions
addressed in the course are: What political and economic factors have
influenced and continue to be important in defining economic development
policy in Nicaragua? Which sectors of society have dominated
contemporary economic development policy-making in Nicaragua? To what
extent have social groups participated in the formulation and
implementation of these policies?
Objectives of this Course
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Discuss participation
trends in Nicaragua and understand the role of participatory
processes in development.
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Compare and contrast
divergent viewpoints on neoliberal policies and articulate their
impact in Nicaragua.
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Analyze power
relations present in the formulation and implementation of
neoliberal policies in Nicaragua, and the role of international
actors and national agents.
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Examine and discuss
challenges and opportunities of promoting rural sustainable
development.
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Debate opportunities
and limitations of free trade.
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Identify the venues
whereby civil society groups participate in the formulation and
implementation of trade policy.
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Learn about national
and transnational participatory efforts of NGO’s, movements and
community groups involved in developing alternative development
proposals.
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Reflect upon your role
as a global citizen and as an agent for change.
The course is divided into the following units:
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Unit I: Defining
participation: tendencies and implications for development.
This unit introduces you to different typologies of participation.
Some of the questions that will be addressed are: How has the topic
of participation evolved in Nicaragua? How has development been
defined? What is the relationship between participation, democracy
and economic development?
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Unit II: Nicaragua
in the context of globalization and neoliberal policies.
We will begin with a brief overview of the history of political
economy in Nicaragua focusing on the development policies of the
second half of the past century. Then you will examine structural
adjustment policies applied in Nicaragua and their economic, social,
political and environmental impact. You will analyze power relations
in the process of defining and applying these policies. We will
especially explore what has been the role of the Nicaraguan
government, International Financial Institutions and civil society
groups in setting the agenda for these policies? Has participation
been strengthened or undermined in the context of these policies?
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Unit III: Rural
sustainable development, local participation and neoliberal
policies.
We will travel to the rural area of Miraflor where you will learn
about the history of a women’s cooperative, their organizational
process and their local sustainable development initiatives. You
will continue to analyze and reflect upon the impact of neoliberal
policies in the rural Nicaragua and will learn firsthand about the
obstacles and opportunities of promoting sustainable development.
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Unit IV: Free Trade
and civil society participation.
You will learn about free trade and critically examine the pros and
cons of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). You will
meet with groups involved in the negotiation and will analyze the
power relations among stakeholders, as well as identify the spaces,
challenges and mechanisms for civil society participation in trade
policy.
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Unit V:
Transformative participation in practice: civil society’s efforts
and proposals.
You will be exposed to efforts of NGO’s, movements and community
groups working on alternative development policies. You will be
expected to synthesize what you have learned in regards to
participation and the efforts of citizens working on impacting the
negative features of globalization.
Required Texts
No texts will be required.
Students will be given a reading packet upon arrival in the country.
Course Expectations
In this course class
participation is crucial. It includes regular attendance, completion of
assigned readings before class sessions, asking probing questions and a
demonstrated effort to dialogue with speakers. Feel free to ask
questions at any time and see me when other issues are affecting your
learning. If you have formally diagnosed learning or physical
differences please let me know in order to obtain extra assistance.
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