The course examines seminal social and political theories which speak to the relationship among the development of the state, capitalism, globalisation, and liberalism. The impact that social cleavages such as class, religion, race and gender have on parties, elections and other political institutions will be explored. We will also examine the strength and political impact of both labour movements and other important social movements which have been key centres of change in the Caribbean setting. The impact of colonialism will also be a key consideration.