Developing Democracy

Toward Consolidation
Erscheinungsjahr 1999
ISBN: 978-0-8018-6156-7
Verlag: Johns Hopkins University Press

Buch, Englisch, 384 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 227 mm, Gewicht: 517 g

In this book noted political sociologist Larry Diamond sets forth a distinctive theoretical perspective on democratic evolution and consolidation in the late twentieth century. Rejecting theories that posit preconditions for democracy—and thus dismiss its prospects in poor countries—Diamond argues instead for a "developmental" theory of democracy. This, he explains, is one which views democracy everywhere as a work in progress that emerges piecemeal, at different rates, in different ways and forms, in different countries.

Diamond begins by assessing the "third wave" of global democratization that began in 1974. With a wealth of quantitative data and case illustrations, he shows that the third wave has come to an end, leaving a growing gap between the electoral form and the liberal substance of democracy. This underscores the hollow, fragile state of many democracies and the imperative of concolidation. He then defines the concept of democratic consolidation and identifies the conditions that foster it. These include strong political institutions, appropriate institutional designs, decentralization of power, a vibrant civil society, and improved economic and political performance.

If new and troubled democracies are to be consolidated, Diamond argues, they must become more deeply democratic—more liberal, accountable, and responsive to their citizens. Drawing on extensive public opinion research in developing and postcommunist states, he demonstrates the importance of freedom, transparency, and the rule of law for generating the broad legitimacy that is the essence of democratic consolidation. The book concludes with a hopeful view of the prospects for a fourth wave of global democratization.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Diamond, Larry

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Vergleichende Politikwissenschaft

Inhaltsverzeichnis

List of Figures and Tables
Preface and Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Defining And Developing Democracy
Chapter 2. Is The Third Wave Of Democratization Over?
Chapter 3. Consolidating Democracy
Chapter 4. Size and Democracy: The Case For Decentralization With Svetlana Tsalik
Chapter 5. Political Culture
Chapter 6. Civil Society
Chapter 7. A Fourth Wave?
Appendix
Notes
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Diamond, Larry
Larry Diamond is coeditor of the Journal of Democracy, codirector of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.

Larry Diamond, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, is codirector, with Marc Plattner, of the International Forum for Democratic Studies. He is also coeditor, with Marc Plattner, of the Journal of Democracy and of other collections of essays available from Johns Hopkins, including The Global Resurgence of Democracy and Consolidating the Third Wave Democracies.