Institutions & Systems
While the UK is a unitary state, these three countries use a federal system to manage regional diversity.
Nigeria, Mexico, and Russia (all use federalism).
Both of these "Rentier States" rely heavily on oil exports, though one is a theocracy and one is a republic.
Nigeria and Iran.
In both the UK and Nigeria, these are the dominant religious groups in the Southern regions.
Christians (specifically Anglicans in the UK; various denominations in Nigeria).
Unlike the UK’s "Head of State," the Presidents of Mexico and Nigeria hold this type of actual power.
Head of Government (Executive power).
Both the UK and Russia have two houses in their legislature; name the "upper" house for both.
House of Lords (UK) and Federation Council (Russia).
Both Mexico and the UK have moved away from this economic model, where the state owns major industries.
Nationalization (or the "Statist" model).
Mexico and China both saw major 20th-century revolutions; which one was led by a Communist Party and in what year?
China (The 1949 Revolution).
While the UK has a "fusion of powers," Mexico and the Nigeria share this specific executive-legislative design.
Presidentialism (Separation of Powers).
Unlike the UK's Prime Minister, the Presidents of Mexico and Nigeria are limited to this many terms.
One term (Sexenio in Mexico; Nigeria allows two terms, so the answer is one term limit specifically for Mexico).
Both China and Russia transitioned from this type of economy to a market-based one in the late 20th century.
Command Economy (or Centrally Planned).
In Nigeria, the North/South split is largely religious; in Mexico, the North/South split is largely this.
Economic (The wealthy North vs. the poorer, indigenous South).
Russia and China both use this media tactic to restrict political competition.
Censorship (or State-controlled media).
Iran and the UK both have a "dual executive"; name the two distinct roles in both systems.
UK: Head of State (Monarch) and Head of Govt (PM). Iran: Supreme Leader and President.
While the UK uses a "Liberal" model, China and Iran use this model where the state directs the economy.
Mercantilist (or State-Led Capitalism).
Both Nigeria and the UK face secessionist movements; name one the region seeking independence.
Biafra (Nigeria) and Scotland (UK)
In China, the CCP is supreme; in Iran, this specific religious body can veto any law passed by the Majlis.
The Guardian Council.
Russia and Iran are often called "illiberal" or "hybrid" regimes; how do their elections compare to the UK?
In Russia/Iran, elections are often managed or "vetted" (Guardian Council), unlike the UK’s competitive, fair elections.
Compare the role of "Parastatals" in Nigeria to the "State-Owned Enterprises" in China.
Both are state-controlled companies used to provide jobs and patronage, though China's SOEs are more integrated into global trade.
Describe the "clientelism" found in Nigeria (Prebendalism) vs. the "Camarillas" in Mexico.
Both involve using government resources/favors to buy the loyalty of specific individuals or groups.
Both Russia and China have recently changed these laws to allow their current leaders to stay in power.
They removed term limits (Xi Jinping in China; Putin via constitutional "reforms").