Democratization
Q: What is Democratic Consolidation?
A: It is the process through which a new democracy matures, becoming more stable and less likely to revert to authoritarianism. Includes "consolidated," "liberal," and "substantive" democracies, characterized by enduring institutions, strong civil society, and adherence to democratic norms.
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Q: Define "State."
A: A political entity with defined territorial boundaries, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
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Q: Define "Regime."
A: The set of rules, norms, and institutions that determine how government operates, including the type of government (e.g., democracy, authoritarian).
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Q: Define "Institutions."
A: Established laws, practices, organizations, and structures that guide political, social, and economic life.
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Q: Define "Nation."
A: A group of people with a common identity, often sharing culture, language, and history, who seek self-governance or autonomy.
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Q: Define "Government."
A: The individuals or parties that occupy and operate the state’s institutions and make decisions for the state.
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Q: Define "Sovereignty."
A: The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference.
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Q: Define "Civil Society."
A: Organizations, groups, and institutions that exist outside of the government and advocate for interests and values of citizens.
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Q: Define "Coercion."
A: The use of force or threats to control or influence behavior within a state.
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Q: Define "Rule of Law."
A: The principle that laws apply equally to all individuals, including those in power, ensuring fairness and preventing arbitrary use of authority.
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Q: Define "Legitimacy" (Rational-Legal, Traditional, Charismatic).
A: Legitimacy refers to the rightfulness of a rule or government:
- Rational-Legal: Based on laws and procedures.
- Traditional: Derived from long-standing customs or beliefs.
- Charismatic: Stemming from the personal appeal or leadership qualities of an individual.
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Q: Explain the Spectrum of Regime Types from Consolidated Democracy to Authoritarian.
A: Regimes range from fully democratic systems, with free and fair elections, civil liberties, and rule of law, to authoritarian regimes, which lack these elements and often use coercion and censorship.
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Q: What Standards Does Freedom House Use to Measure Democratization?
A: Freedom House evaluates political rights and civil liberties, categorizing countries as "Free," "Partly Free," or "Not Free" based on factors like electoral processes, freedom of expression, and association.
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Q: What is Democratic Responsiveness?
A: The degree to which a government listens to and acts upon the interests and demands of its citizens.
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Q: Explain Political Rights vs. Civil Liberties.
A: - Political Rights: Rights that enable participation in political processes, such as voting and running for office.
- Civil Liberties: Basic freedoms that protect individuals from government overreach, like freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
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Q: What is an Illiberal Democracy?
A: A system with elections and some democratic features, but limited civil liberties, restricted media, and weakened checks on power.
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Q: Define Mixed/Hybrid Regimes (O’Neil Reading).
A: Systems that combine elements of democracy (e.g., elections) and authoritarianism (e.g., restricted civil liberties).
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Q: Difference Between Procedural and Substantive Democracy.
A: - Procedural: Focuses on the processes of democracy, like free elections.
- Substantive: Includes actual implementation of democratic principles, like rule of law and protection of rights.
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Q: Explain "Democracy from Above" vs. "Democracy from Below."
A: - Above: Initiated by elites or political leaders, often through reforms.
- Below: Driven by grassroots movements, protests, and citizen engagement.
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Q: How Can the International Community Prohibit or Impose Democracy?
A: Through economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, or military intervention, as well as promoting democracy via aid and support for civil society.
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Q: What are Some Obstacles to Democratic Development?
A: Lack of political culture, weak institutions, economic instability, corruption, and external interference.
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Q: What Role Does the Rule of Law Play in Promoting or Obstructing Democratic Development?
A: It ensures accountability, prevents abuse of power, and upholds rights, but weak rule of law can lead to corruption and authoritarianism.
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Q: Preconditions that Help Promote Democratic Development (Francis Fukayama)?
A: Stable state, rule of law, and accountable government.
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Q: Preconditions or Obstacles to Democratization?
A: Economic development, education, and social capital help promote; corruption, inequality, and strong authoritarian traditions are obstacles.
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Q: What Factors Contributed to the "Third Wave" of Democratization?
A: Economic development, collapse of the Soviet Union, international pressure, and global spread of democratic ideals in the 1980s-1990s.
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Q: How Does Economic Development Promote Democratization (Modernization Theory)?
A: It leads to a larger middle class, higher education levels, and demand for political participation.
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Q: How Can Economic Development Hinder Democratization?
A: Authoritarian capitalism, where economic growth is prioritized over political freedoms, can lead to more state control.
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Q: Role of Non-State Actors (MNCs, NGOs) in Destabilizing Nation-States.
A: They can influence government policies, promote economic dependency, or undermine local governance.
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Q: What is "Strategic Coordination" and "Coordinating Goods"?
A: Methods used by opposition to organize against authoritarian regimes; goods like free press, rights to assemble, and internet access that facilitate coordination.
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Q: Types of Authoritarianism: Military, Personalistic, Single-Party (O’Neil).
A: - Military: Control by armed forces.
- Personalistic: Power concentrated around a single leader.
- Single-Party: Dominance of one political party without competition.
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Q: How Do Authoritarians Roll Back Democracy?
A: Through control of media, judiciary manipulation, repression of opposition, and altering constitutions to extend rule.
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Q: "How Democracies Die": 4 Criteria Indicating Democracies are in Danger.
A: Rejecting democratic rules, denying legitimacy of opponents, encouraging violence, and restricting civil liberties.
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Q: Define Populism.
A: A political approach that claims to represent the will of the people against the elite or established system, often oversimplifying complex issues.
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