"About a hundred years ago, there were few countries that had hardly any political parties. Now there are few countries that do not have political parties." Explain this statement.

The statement highlights the significant growth and near-universal adoption of political parties in the world over the past century. A hundred years ago, many countries, particularly those with less developed political systems or under authoritarian rule, lacked the formal structure and organization of political parties as we understand them today. Governance might have been more based on personal rule, traditional hierarchies, or less structured forms of representation.

Several factors contributed to this dramatic shift:

• Rise of Democracy and Suffrage: The expansion of suffrage (the right to vote) and the development of democratic institutions created a greater need for organized political participation. Political parties emerged as mechanisms to mobilize voters, articulate policy positions, and compete for power within the new democratic frameworks.

• Nationalism and Nation-Building: The rise of nationalism in the 20th century led to the formation of parties advocating for national interests, independence, or specific ideologies. This often involved mobilizing large segments of the population around shared identities and goals.

• Ideological Developments: The emergence and spread of powerful ideologies like liberalism, socialism, communism, and fascism provided frameworks for political organization and the formation of parties aligned with these belief systems.

• Globalization and International Relations: Increasing interconnectedness between nations has also fostered the spread of party systems and political norms. International organizations and the influence of global powers have often promoted or encouraged the adoption of more representative political systems, including multi-party structures.

In summary, the proliferation of political parties reflects the evolution of political systems globally. The move towards democracy, the rise of distinct ideologies, and the processes of nation-building have all contributed to the near-ubiquity of political parties in modern nation-states. The few exceptions today are usually found in authoritarian regimes that actively suppress political pluralism and the organization of opposition groups.