Boundary Control Theory
Which political scientist’s work is central to the concept of boundary control?
E.E. Schattschneider
Define subnational authoritarianism.
A regime where local elites maintain authoritarian control within a democratic national system.
Which 1972 film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is widely regarded as one of the greatest mafia movies of all time?
The Godfather.
What is the main goal of opposition groups in subnational authoritarian regions?
Their main goal is to bring democratic reforms and challenge the control of local elites.
Which two countries does Gibson use as case studies for subnational authoritarianism in the context of “boundary control”?
Mexico and Argentina
What is the primary goal of “boundary control” in subnational authoritarian regimes?
To localize political conflict and prevent national interference.
Who typically controls power in subnational authoritarian regimes?
Local elites, such as powerful families or individuals.
What is the name of the head of the mafia family at the center of the TV series The Sopranos?
Tony Soprano
Why do local elites fear the nationalization of political conflicts?
It brings national attention, potentially undermining their local control and inviting intervention from national actors.
In which state of Mexico did subnational authoritarian elites use boundary control to maintain power?
Oaxaca
Name the three levels of boundary control.
Parochialization of power, nationalization of influence, and monopolization of national-subnational linkages.
What role do local economic conditions play in sustaining subnational authoritarianism?
They allow elites to dominate local economies and create dependencies, preventing political competition.
Who played Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the Miami drug trade, in the 1983 film Scarface?
Al Pacino
Why do opposition groups often struggle to challenge subnational authoritarian regimes?
Because local elites control resources and institutions, making it difficult for opposition groups to compete on a level playing field.
What is Sidles core argument?
Subnational Authoritarianism is deeply rooted in local economic structures.
How do opposition groups try to challenge boundary control?
By nationalizing local conflicts to gain support from national political actors or institutions.
How do subnational authoritarian elites often secure support from national governments?
Through alliances that provide financial, political, and legal backing.(Corruption)
In Goodfellas, what was the famous line by Henry Hill that describes the allure of the mafia lifestyle?
“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”
How did media exposure help challenge subnational authoritarianism in Santiago del Estero, Argentina?
It brought national attention to human rights abuses, eventually leading to intervention by the central government.
How did the local elites in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, maintain their authoritarian control?
By monopolizing political power and creating strong alliances with national political actors.
What is the significance of monopolizing national-subnational linkages in boundary control?
It allows local elites to control resources, legal oversight, and fiscal policies, thereby reinforcing their authoritarian rule.
How do local leaders in subnational authoritarian regimes stay in power for a long time?
They control important local resources and institutions, preventing others from challenging their authority.
Which real-life crime family inspired The Godfather and many other mafia films and TV shows, especially in their depiction of organized crime in New York?
The Corleone family was loosely inspired by the real-life Gambino family and other New York Mafia families.
What is the role of civic society in breaking boundary control and advancing democratization in subnational authoritarian regions?
Civic society organizations can help mobilize local resistance, expose abuses, and create alliances with national actors to challenge local authoritarian regimes.
What role did economic monopolization play in the political dominance of elites, as discussed by Sidel?
The concentration of economic power, particularly through land and local industries, allowed elites to maintain long-term political control.