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Relative political capacity: A dataset to evaluate the performance of nations, 1960–2018

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Fisunoglu

    (Department of Political Science, 7547Saint Louis University, USA)

  • Kyungkook Kang

    (Department of International Studies, 2524Claremont Graduate University, USA)

  • Tad Kugler

    (Department of Politics and International Relations, 1992Roger Williams University, USA)

  • Marina Arbetman-Rabinowitz

    (TransResearch Consortium, USA)

Abstract

Measuring the ability of governments to implement policy remains one of the most significant questions of political science. This paper presents the latest iteration of the Relative Political Capacity (RPC) dataset and introduces the Absolute Political Capacity measure. It then investigates the trends in political performance measures across time and space, and different political and economic characteristics. Covering 168 countries from 1960 to 2018, the RPC offers a comprehensive measure of state capacity that allows direct comparisons to be made across countries from all levels of development and will help researchers explore different dimensions of capacity and power.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Fisunoglu & Kyungkook Kang & Tad Kugler & Marina Arbetman-Rabinowitz, 2023. "Relative political capacity: A dataset to evaluate the performance of nations, 1960–2018," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 40(3), pages 325-345, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:40:y:2023:i:3:p:325-345
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942221145352
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