Developing Democracy: Toward Consolidation

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.

作者簡介

賴瑞．戴蒙　Larry Diamond

賴瑞．戴蒙教授為外交政策、國際援助及民主發展領域的著名學者、顧問和作家。現任史丹佛大學民主發展與法治中心主任、胡佛研究中心資深研究員，自《民主季刊》（Journal of Democracy）在1990年創立以來，他就擔任共同主編。目前定居於加州史丹佛。

著有《虛擲勝利成果：美國占領伊拉克卻搞砸了促進民主的任務》（Squandered Victory：The American Occupation and the Bungled Effort to Bring Democracy to Iraq）