Question 1

The New Economic Mechanism (NEM) attempted to decentralize the economy of which state?

Accepted Answer

The New Economic Mechanism (NEM) was implemented in Hungary in 1968 with the aim of decentralizing the economy and giving more autonomy to individual enterprises. It introduced elements of a market economy into the socialist system, such as profit incentives and the ability to set prices based on supply and demand.

Question 2

Which Taiwanese coalition is seeking eventual reunification with China?

Accepted Answer

The Pan-Blue Coalition in Taiwan generally consists of parties that are more conservative and supportive of closer ties with China, including eventual reunification.

Question 3

Which of the following is a healthy sign of party competition and political pluralism at work?

Accepted Answer

Multiple parties vying for electoral seats indicates active competition and choice for voters, which is a sign of healthy political pluralism.

Question 4

As a rule, change in Latin America has followed which pattern?

Accepted Answer

The answer of As a rule, change in Latin America...

Question 5

How have the transitions in Asia differed from those in Latin America? What are the impediments to reform in the two regions? The incentives?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How have the transitions in Asia differed...

Question 6

Which of the following is no longer recognized as a sovereign nation and does not have a seat in the United Nations?

Accepted Answer

Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China) is no longer recognized as a sovereign nation and does not have a seat in the United Nations. China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory and most countries have adhered to a "One China" policy, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.

Question 7

Though it is prosperous, which South American country has seen a great deal of civil unrest related to concerns over fairness?

Accepted Answer

Chile has experienced significant civil unrest in recent years, with protests centering around social and economic inequality, and concerns over the government's response to these issues. Despite having one of the strongest economies in the region, many Chileans feel that the benefits of economic growth have not been fairly distributed.

Question 8

Which South American country has risen to prominence, along with China and India?

Accepted Answer

Brazil has risen to prominence in recent years, alongside China and India, due to its rapidly growing economy and population. Its presence as a major emerging market has led to increased trade relations and investment from other countries.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the government of the Czech Republic?

Accepted Answer

The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The Czech Parliament has two chambers - the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate - and elections are held every four years. The government is formed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, and the Cabinet. Therefore, options A, B, and D are not accurate descriptions of the government of the Czech Republic.

Question 10

What term was used to describe Asia's financial crisis of 1997-1998?

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe Asia's financial crisis of 1997-1998 was "Asian flu."

Question 11

How do international organizations like NAFTA, the EU, and the UN affect the transitions that states go through? Do they always have a positive influence? Which transitional state has been the most affected by an international organization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do international organizations like NAFTA, the...

Question 12

In January of 1990, Time magazine named Mikhail Gorbachev "Man of the Decade for the 1980s." What do you think the reasons were for this choice? Discuss his successes and failures as president of the former Soviet Union.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In January of 1990, Time magazine named...

Question 13

The boldest reforms were adopted by which of the following former Communist countries?

Accepted Answer

All of the above (Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic) adopted bold reforms to transition from communism to democracy and market-oriented economies. These countries are often referred to as the Visegrád Group and were among the most successful in transforming their economies and political systems.

Question 14

Although it operates as a liberal democracy, what party has ruled Mexico for almost all of the twentieth century?

Accepted Answer

The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) ruled Mexico for almost all of the twentieth century, from 1929 to 2000, with the exception of a brief period in the year 2000. The other parties listed (Democratic Progressive Party, National Action Party, and Republican Revolution Party) have not had significant periods of rule in Mexico.

Question 15

Which of the following transitional states has the most powerful economy?

Accepted Answer

Among the given transitional states, Taiwan has the most powerful economy. It has a high-income economy, with a GDP per capita of $24,000 (as of 2021), and is ranked as the 19th largest economy in the world. Taiwan is a major exporter of high-tech electronics and information technology products and has a highly skilled and educated workforce. Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic also have strong economies, while Poland still has some economic development challenges to overcome.

Question 16

Satisfaction or discontent among a state's population are usually connected with the performance of the economy, yet the prosperous Chile faces a great deal of turmoil. What other factors besides the economy are important to people in a state? Which do you think is the most important? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Satisfaction or discontent among a state's population...

Question 17

In a response to China's insistence that Taiwan is part of China and to help restore full diplomatic ties with China, what did the United States do?

Accepted Answer

The United States agreed to derecognize Taiwan as a separate country in order to restore full diplomatic ties with China.

Question 18

Which state was NOT an original signatory of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?

Accepted Answer

Brazil was not an original signatory of NAFTA. The original signatories were the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Question 19

Boris Yeltsin proved unable to handle the transition from totalitarian regime to democratic republic. What were his problems, and why do Russians seem to like Vladimir Putin, a hardliner?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Boris Yeltsin proved unable to handle the...

Question 20

Of all the Eastern European countries experiencing transition after the collapse of the USSR, which has experienced the most economic success?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of all the Eastern European countries experiencing...

Quiz 8: States and Economies in Transition: Between Democracy and Yesterday