"Democratization" is an essential guide to grasping democratic transitions in today’s shifting global political landscape. This key text in the Political Science series explores how nations move from authoritarianism to democracy.
Chapter-by-Overview
- 1: Defines democratization and its core traits.
- 2: Examines various democracy models and definitions.
- 3 & 4: Contrast dictatorship and autocracy, providing context for democratic aspirations.
- 5: Analyzes government structures and their impact on democracy.
- 6: Investigates illiberal democracies that limit certain freedoms.
Theories and Transformations
- 7: Discusses Modernization Theory and its link to economic development and democracy.
- 8 & 9: Engage with ideas from Barrington Moore Jr. and Adam Przeworski on democratization.
- 10: Addresses challenges in consolidating new democracies.
- 11: Introduces Dankwart Rustow’s framework for democratic transitions.
- 12: Explores historical patterns of democratic expansion and decline.
Challenges and the Future
- 13: Unpacks the complexities of transitioning to democracy.
- 14: Examines the role of external actors in promoting democracy.
- 15: Provides insights into authoritarian regimes.
- 16: Looks at coups and their impact on democratic governments.
- 17: Discusses hybrid regimes that mix democratic and authoritarian elements.
The Book for Our Times
- 18: Investigates democratic backsliding and the erosion of democratic norms.
- 19 & 20: Features Barbara Geddes’ work on how social structures influence regimes.
- 21: Explores authoritarian enclaves within democracies.
"Democratization" helps you analyze current events, engage in discussions about democracy’s future, and understand the forces shaping today’s political landscape.