Transitions to Democracy: A Comparative Perspective

by Kathryn Stoner (Editor), Michael McFaul (Editor)

Fifteen case studies by scholars and practitioners demonstrate the synergy between domestic and international influences that can precipitate democratic transitions. As demonstrated by current events in Tunisia and Egypt, oppressive regimes are rarely immune to their citizens’ desire for democratic government. Of course, desire is always tempered by reality; therefore how democratic demands are made manifest is a critical source of study for both political scientists and foreign policy makers. What issues and consequences surround the fall of a government, what type of regime replaces it, and to what extent are these efforts successful? Kathryn Stoner and Michael McFaul have created an accessible book of fifteen case studies from around the world that will help students understand these complex issues. Their model builds upon Guillermo O’Donnell, Philippe C. Schmitter, and Laurence Whitehead's classic work, Transitions from Authoritarian Rule , using a rubric of four identifying factors that can be applied to each case study, making comparison relatively easy. Transitions to Democracy yields strong comparisons and insights. For instance, the study reveals that efforts led by the elite and involving the military are generally unsuccessful, whereas mass mobilization, civic groups, and new media have become significant factors in supporting and sustaining democratic actors. This collection of writings by scholars and practitioners is organized into three parts: successful transitions, incremental transitions, and failed transitions. Extensive primary research and a rubric that can be applied to burgeoning democracies offer readers valuable tools and information.

456 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Mark Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book. It is a collaboration between an academic (Stoner) and a practitioner (McFaul), and each country case study has the same pairing. The book offers some counter-intuitive lessons about what helps countries transition from authoritarianism to democracy.

Domestically, they argue that *local* civil society organizations can/should broadcast regime abuses and rally the masses. Mass mobilization often leads to elite divisions rather than vice versa. Local civil society organizations. The military are not usually central players, except in the moment of designing whether a fire bond protesters.

Democratic supporters abroad, they argue, should help raise up fund and train local civil society organizations over the very long term. It’s also important that supporting countries maintain their own democratic commitments. They should support independent media and communications infrastructure, and finance the development of parallel infrastructure as autocratic regimes unravel the state.

All this requires dense networks with the local opposition, which is important because external actors don’t have a stellar track of picking sides or timing. In particular, external supporters should avoid the common trap of backing whoever it is that seems most likely to deliver oil or other natural resources.