Political and government issues of Kenya and Samoa

The major research requirement for the course is a selection of any two countries in the ThirdWorld (preferably from two distinct regions) and assess the political and economic prospectsfor the future. Some preliminary concerns that need to be evaluated will include: the level ofpolitical stability, the degree of prosperity, the influence of a political culture, the role played byhistory, the influence of leadership and the many intervening forces like religion, insurgency,military rule, and even outside influences including colonial masters, dominant outsidesuperpowers (like the US) and even international organizations like the IMF or the UN.The objective of this assignment is to get an appropriate picture of the political system of thetwo countries you select. In addition, the detailed survey of the systems allows for acomparative analysis of what is similar and different, and what accounts for the respectivesimilarities or differences between the two countries. What conclusions can one draw fromyour findings: are there common experiences for these countries like colonialism of yesteryears and neocolonialism of today, or is the Third World so obviously broad and amorphousthat common characteristics do not exist?To spice your paper even more, integrate some of the concepts and ideas developed in classlectures and textbooks like Third Worldism, leadership types, the changing roles of politicalparties and other institutions as well as consolidated versus procedural democracies, whereverthese are applicable.In the end, your paper should reflect the kind of knowledge that you have gained so far in thisclass, which should be adequately applied to the countries you select.As for any paper at this level, pains-taking research effort and early preparation is essential.Also, constant attention to the on-going development in your countries will add to yourfamiliarity and expertise. At this stage, you will make the calls as to what issues and subjectsare most relevant for you to include in your paper, but one expects a near-complete or perfectpicture of the political systems in question.