The Theory of Democracy
Many of the earliest theories of democratisation focused on the role of elites in achieving a democratic transition. While these theories were helpful in analyzing specific cases, they were not very general. The timing of such transitions is highly contextual. Early democratisation theorists framed the transition as a strategic interaction among elites that produces a decision to adopt democratic institutions and procedures. But these theories are limited in their scope and often overlook other important factors.
The first principle of democratisation is that a subjected society must go through certain stages before attaining substantive democracy. The first stage is characterized by changes in the civil society, which are a prerequisite to substantive democratisation. Achieving each stage ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the subsequent one. Once these conditions are met, a democratic society can proceed to the next stage. Democratisation is best achieved when it is accompanied by a culture of tolerance and cooperation.
The ‘old’ democracies are the United States, Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. The term ‘democratisation’ is also used for a consolidated democratic regime where the chances of authoritarian change are remote. This form of democracy is often referred to as a consolidated democracy, and it is when the legitimacy of the democratic regime is widespread and taken for granted. There is a large spectrum of theories on the nature of democracy, from simplistic definitions to complex concepts.
Kenya is a case study of the process of democratisation in a country that was ruled by presidents and armed forces. Although there have been periodic transfers of power, the country has generally maintained stability since independence. The adoption of a new constitution marked the end of a long and difficult process. The transition from a multiparty political system to a one-party state began in 1982. The new constitution made politicians more accountable to voters.
In the Muslim Middle East, however, regimes have failed to democratise despite growing pressure to do so. In the region, different forms of procedural democracy have developed as a result. No Muslim country can meet the essential requirements of liberal democracy. Instead, most Muslim leadership have chosen to implement democratic reforms in a selective manner and within procedural frameworks. And while these approaches are more acceptable, they are still far from sufficient for a true liberal democracy.
In the African context, the importance of self-enforcing constitutions cannot be underestimated. This means that citizens must solve coordination problems and act in unison when their government threatens to violate the constitution. International organisations can contribute to the democratisation process by raising awareness of the importance of self-enforcing constitutions. But it is important to stress that such constitutions cannot be created through external intervention. Democratisation is ultimately the result of citizens’ commitment to democracy.
Many of the earliest theories of democratisation focused on the role of elites in achieving a democratic transition. While these theories were helpful in analyzing specific cases, they were not very general. The timing of such transitions is highly contextual. Early democratisation theorists framed the transition as a strategic interaction among elites that produces a decision to adopt democratic institutions and procedures. But these theories are limited in their scope and often overlook other important factors. The first principle of democratisation is that a subjected society must go through certain stages before attaining substantive democracy. The first stage is characterized by changes in the civil society, which are a prerequisite to substantive democratisation. Achieving each stage ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the subsequent one. Once these conditions are met, a democratic society can proceed to the next stage. Democratisation is best achieved when it is accompanied by a culture of tolerance and cooperation. The ‘old’ democracies are the United States, Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. The term ‘democratisation’ is also used for a consolidated democratic regime where the chances of authoritarian change are remote. This form of democracy is often referred to as a consolidated democracy, and it is when the legitimacy of the democratic regime is widespread and taken for granted. There is a large spectrum of theories on the nature of democracy, from simplistic definitions to complex concepts. Kenya is a case study of the process of democratisation in a country that was ruled by presidents and armed forces. Although there have been periodic transfers of power, the country has generally maintained stability since independence. The adoption of a new constitution marked the end of a long and difficult process. The transition from a multiparty political system to a one-party state began in 1982. The new constitution made politicians more accountable to voters. In the Muslim Middle East, however, regimes have failed to democratise despite growing pressure to do so. In the region, different forms of procedural democracy have developed as a result. No Muslim country can meet the essential requirements of liberal democracy. Instead, most Muslim leadership have chosen to implement democratic reforms in a selective manner and within procedural frameworks. And while these approaches are more acceptable, they are still far from sufficient for a true liberal democracy. In the African context, the importance of self-enforcing constitutions cannot be underestimated. This means that citizens must solve coordination problems and act in unison when their government threatens to violate the constitution. International organisations can contribute to the democratisation process by raising awareness of the importance of self-enforcing constitutions. But it is important to stress that such constitutions cannot be created through external intervention. Democratisation is ultimately the result of citizens’ commitment to democracy.