WK 6 Democracy/Democratization

The four main political economic systems

liberalism, social democracy, communism, mercentalism

liberalism

Emphasizes free markets, private property, and minimal state intervention. Economic growth is driven by competition and individual entrepreneurship. Example: United States, United Kingdom

social democracy

Combines market economy with strong social welfare policies. The state intervenes to ensure economic equality and social justice while maintaining capitalism. Example: Sweden, Germany, Norway

communism

The state owns all means of production and controls the economy. Focus on eliminating class differences and ensuring equality, often at the cost of personal freedoms. Example: Former Soviet Union, modern North Korea (to some extent, China has mixed elements today)

mercantalism

Economic system prioritizing state power and national economic self-sufficiency. Heavy government control, protectionism, and state-led economic planning. Example: Japan in the post-WWII era, modern China (to some extent), early European colonial powers

how do we know a country is a democracy?

minimum conditions of democracy

minimum conditions of democracy (by robert dahl’s polyarchy model)

1. Free and fair elections

2. Universal suffrage

3. Political and civil rights (e.g., freedom of speech, press, and assembly)

4. Elected officials must have real power

5. Rule of law (independent judiciary)

6. A pluralistic society (political opposition and competition exist)

freedom house scores; how are they measured?

Assigns scores based on political rights (electoral process, political pluralism) and civil liberties (freedom of speech, rule of law).

• Free (1-2.5) → Strong democracy (e.g., Canada, Germany)

• Partly Free (3-5) → Hybrid regimes (e.g., Turkey, Ukraine before 2014)

• Not Free (5.5-7) → Authoritarian regimes (e.g., China, Saudi Arabia)

High HDI (Human Development Index)

Strong GDP per capita, education, life expectancy

Well-functioning political institutions

Checks and balances, separation of powers

Strong rule of law

Independent judiciary, legal protections

Pluralistic civil society

Free press, active political participation

Advanced economies

Market-driven, service-oriented, high-income societies

country examples of developed democracies

Norway, Germany, Canada, Japan

culture

Norms of tolerance, political participation, and respect for pluralism help democracy thrive. Some argue certain religious or historical traditions may favor/hinder democracy

institutions

Strong rule of law, independent judiciary, and constitutional framework support democracy. Weak institutions lead to democratic failure (e.g., Venezuela’s erosion of judicial independence).

economic development and modernization

Modernization theory: As economies develop (higher income, education, urbanization), democratic values emerge. Wealthier societies tend to sustain democracy better (South Korea, Taiwan). Counter-example: China has economic growth but no full democracy.

Spillover Effects & Diffusion

Democratization in one country can inspire others (e.g., Arab Spring, Eastern Europe post-1989).

Waves of Democratization 1st Wave (1828–1926):

Expansion of suffrage in Western democracies.

Waves of Democratization 2nd wave (1945–1960s):

Post-WWII democratization (Germany, Japan, decolonized nations).

Waves of Democratization 3rd wave (1974–1990s):

Fall of dictatorships in Latin America, Eastern Europe, parts of Africa.

Reverse Waves (Backsliding)

1920s-1930s: Rise of fascism (Germany, Italy, Spain).

1950s-1960s: Military coups in Latin America, Africa.

2000s-Present? → Democratic backsliding in Hungary, Turkey, Russia, India, U.S. polarization

democratic consolidation

When democracy becomes the “only game in town” and is unlikely to collapse

• Legitimacy: Broad public acceptance of democratic rules.

• Strong institutions: Judiciary, media, civil society keep democracy intact.

• Wealth & Middle Class: Economic stability helps prevent democratic failure.

Examples of Consolidated Democracies

Germany, Canada, Japan

Examples of Struggling Democracies

Hungary, Brazil, Turkey

how democracies die

Erosion of democratic norms (e.g., refusal to accept election results, attacks on free press).

Executive overreach – Leaders weaken checks and balances, erode rule of law.

Elimination of opposition – Rigging elections, jailing opposition (e.g., Russia, Venezuela).

Polarization & Disinformation – Social media manipulation, attacks on facts.