AUTHOR=Cendales Andrés , Guerrero Hugo , Mora Jhon James 

TITLE=A methodological critique of Munshi's model on clientelism, public goods, and divided democracies

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Political Science

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/political-science/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1490245

DOI=10.3389/fpos.2025.1490245

ISSN=2673-3145

ABSTRACT=As social scientists, we find Soumyanetra Munshi's theoretical work on the dilemma between clientelism and public goods in divided democracies both fascinating and thought-provoking. However, this article addresses two core issues in her model. The dialogue is guided by a perspective in formal modeling that emphasizes the analytical relevance of conclusions that may appear absurd, as well as internal contradictions. We critique Munshi's model by first discussing a paradoxical outcome, followed by a logical inconsistency.