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Developing Democracy

Toward Consolidation

Larry Diamond

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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...

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.

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Reviews

[A] systematic account of the political realities that make democracy promotion so challenging. Diamond... marshals an impressive array of cross-cultural social-science evidence.

Offers a realistic description of the political discontents of our time and how these discontents are reduced... by the development of democratic practice.

Larry Diamond has written the authoritative book on the democratic experience—lucid and discriminating in its theoretical grasp, and masterful in its presentation of evidence.

Larry Diamond has built a cumulative record of outstanding scholarship on democracy. This book flows logically from his earlier contributions. It illuminates brilliantly the problems and opportunities of emerging democracies, especially the critical phase of democratic consolidation. In a world struggling to find ways of establishing durable democracies, this book is at once a timely and fundamental contribution.

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Book Details

Publication Date
Status
Available
Trim Size
6
x
9
Pages
384
ISBN
9780801861567
Illustration Description
2 b&w illus.
Table of Contents

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

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

Author Bio
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Larry Diamond

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.