What caused the radicalization of the far right that resulted in the January 6th Insurrection.

Comparative Research Paper: For this research paper, you will try to answer
What caused the radicalization of the far right that resulted in the January 6th Insurrection. Ask: How have political
scientists tried to answer this question? What do you think is the answer to this
question? What evidence would you need to collect to answer it? In order to
develop your own argument, you will compare two (or more) cases in a most-similar-
systems (MSS) or most-different-systems (MDS) research design. A template for
these research designs is available on the Camino. We will talk much more about
how to conduct a comparative politics research project throughout the course. Final
draft should be 2500 words (including literature review). 30% of course grade.
Your Why Question: On a single sheet of paper, write a single sentence
asking a single question about some phenomenon covered in comparative
politics.
Your question will form the core of your final research project.
Literature Review: How have previous scholars tried to answer your Why
question? Identify, describe, and critique three distinct arguments from a set
of articles and book chapters on your research question of choice. A literature
review does not only summarize arguments from the literature; it critiques them,
identifying areas where they may fall short or cases they may not adequately
explain. 800 words max. 10% of course grade.
Most Similar Systems (MSS) or Most Different Systems Research (MDS)
Design: For this assignment, you will create a case comparative research
design to test your Why question. I will pass out a chart to help you design an
MSS or MDS comparison. Based on three independent variables (IVs) drawn
from your literature review and your dependent variable (DV), you will select
two cases that meet the requirements of an MSS or MDS comparison. 2% of
course grade (graded pass/fail).
Rough Draft: You will submit a rough draft of your Comparative Research
Paper of at least 1750 words (including a revised literature review).

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