DEMOCRATIZATION

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DEMOCRATIZATION

Presentation OutlineReview of characteristics of authoritarian and democratic regimesProcedural DemocracySubstantive DemocracyPreconditions for democratization3 historical waves of democratizationTop down democratizationBottom up democratizationGlobal trends in democratization

1) What differentiates democratic regimes from authoritarian regimes?Authoritarian RegimesDemocratic regimesOne party is in chargeNo elections or elections are window dressingRestrictions on civil societyRule by law

Two parties or more compete in electionsCivil society is vibrant and encouragedRule of law2) Procedural DemocracyDemocracies which appear democratic: (competitive elections, universal suffrage)Often called illiberal democracies

Democratic deficits:But civil liberties and rights are usually restricted

Often the media access for opposition parties is restricted

Political opponents may be imprisoned without a fair trial

Russia and Nigeria are good examples Whats the difference between a procedural democracy and an authoritarian regime?A procedural or illiberal democracy is still a democracy on paper.Procedural democracies have the potential to become liberal democraciesAuthoritarian regimes are structurally undemocraticThe only way an authoritarian regime to become democratic is for regime change to take place: often through revolution3) Substantive DemocracyThese are democracies which have competitive, fair elections and full civil liberties and rightsThe rule of law is respected

Democracy has consolidated meaning elites and citizens accept the rules of democracy

Often called liberal democracies

The U.K., U.S., Canada, and Japan are good examplesMexico is working to become a substantive democracy

4) Preconditions for democratizationThe presence of a robust civil society

Consolidation- elites and citizens respect the rules of the game- respect for the rule of law

Strong and stable economy

A democratic environment- international support, regional support for democracy Its hard to be a democracy when all your neighbors are authoritarian!5) 3 Waves of Democratization 1780 1900 1945 1989 2000-present

1st wave of democratization1st wave began in the 18th and 19th centuries in industrialized Western states such as Britain, the United States and France

Democracy occurred here first because the existing preconditions were there: wealthy, stable economy, educated population, citizen demand for greater influence

U.S. Constitution-1789

We the People

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.THOMAS JEFFERSON, Declaration of Independence2nd wave of democratizationOccurred after World War II in Europe and in decolonized Asia and Africa

U.S. occupation of Germany and Japan introduced (imposed?) democracy

Germany, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya, Nigeria and later South Korea, and India are examples3rd wave of democratizationOccurred after the collapse of the East Bloc and Soviet Union in the 1989-1991 period

This included Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, and Mongolia

End of Communism in Romania. A man stands on top of a statue of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, 19896) Top down democratizationDemocracy is imposed by leaders and policies

Russia is a great example- Gorbachev introduced democratic reforms; Yeltsin continued and went even further

Foreign occupation can also impose democracy as was the case after WWII in U.S. occupied Germany and Japan

Foreign influence and pressure can introduce democracy- S. Korea went from a military dictatorship to a democracy

Democratization in Russia: top down- Yeltsin proclaims democratic reforms

7) Bottom up democratizationWhen the citizens demand democracy- either through reforms or revolution

Grass roots

1989 Tiananmen Square student demonstrations were a good example- but one which failed

Polands solidarity movement in the early 1980s led to a call for more democracyThe East Germans essentially overthrew their regime in a bloodless revolution- protesting a lack of freedoms1989 East Germany-Berlin WallBottom-up democratization

8) Democratization as a world trendMost of the states in the world are now democracies, although many are procedural democracies

In 1945 only 10% of the worlds states were democracies

The worldwide trend since the end of WWII has led to more democratization

Even authoritarian states such as Iran and China have introduced some democratic elements such as competitive elections in Iran, and village elections in ChinaMap of the worlds democracies (in blue)

Levels of Democratization.Light colors represent the most democratic states.Dark colors represent the most authoritarian states.

Throughout the 80s and 90s many regimes changed and became democracies- especially in S. America