Democratization: Empowering the People, Reshaping Power in a Changing World

"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.