Assignment task: In the second half of the course, we've discussed important political phenomena that emerge in democratic societies: 1) intergroup conflict and oppression, 2) social movements and contentious politics, 3) political violence, and 4) populism. In your essay, pick one of the four topics listed and offer answers to the following questions:
Is democracy a cause of these forms of politics?
How might we expect regime type to impact whether we see these phenomena in a particular case?
Is some other variable (e.g., state strength) more important?
Be sure to thoroughly address all three of these questions. And, be sure to define and describe the form of politics you've chosen. Whether you argue that democracy is or is not a cause, include discussion of potential counterarguments.