Democracies and the Mechanisms That Promote Them
There are several factors that determine the rate of democratisation, but they are all related to the development of a democracy. Despite these differences, some common factors appear to govern all stages of democratisation. While a lack of democratization is a common problem in many countries, it does not necessarily mean that a particular country cannot achieve a state of democracy. This article looks at the mechanisms that promote democratisation and the conditions under which they emerge.
The degree of education plays a key role in democratisation. Higher education levels generally lead to increased political participation, as citizens are better equipped to understand complex issues. Educated citizens are also more likely to engage in the political process, demanding inclusion and accountability. Furthermore, they hold values that are compatible with democracy. In order to promote the growth of democratisation, it is essential to improve the content of education. To ensure that citizens are capable of evaluating various political concepts, it is essential that they receive education that teaches them about their own country and its culture.
Moreover, the process of democratisation is often divided into two phases: the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and the consolidation of democracy. During this phase, the authoritarian regime must be undermined, and the new democratic rules must be institutionalised. However, in reverse waves of democratisation, the transition does not lead to consolidation. It is important to understand these different phases, because the dynamics of the transition from authoritarian to democratic regimes vary across countries.
Besides the top-down approach, there are several other ways to promote democratisation. Bottom-up democratisation is a form of grassroots democratisation, and relies on civil society and opposition parties to drive development. A case study of this approach is Tanzania, which experienced bottom-up democratisation between 1961 and 1991. Before this, Tanzania was an authoritarian non-development state with strong economies of affection and lack of accountability. The post-Coldwar period brought renewed hope that democracy would be the key to the country’s development.
Despite these differences, there is a common theme among these countries. A strong middle class is seen as a stabilizing and moderating force, preventing authoritarian tendencies, and protecting the vulnerable from the extremes. By seeking economic security, political stability, and social rights, the middle class balances these extreme positions. For these reasons, the middle class was critical to the democratization processes of several countries. And the rise of the middle class has helped democratisation in many parts of the world.
While democratisation has brought the country closer to the global market, it has also boosted inequality in some areas. In the first decade of democratisation, there was a huge rise in inequality in the country. But this did not translate into redistribution. Inflation nullified the benefits of redistribution, and instead concentrated income in the hands of the rich. Consequently, the country’s inequality levels have continued to increase.
There are several factors that determine the rate of democratisation, but they are all related to the development of a democracy. Despite these differences, some common factors appear to govern all stages of democratisation. While a lack of democratization is a common problem in many countries, it does not necessarily mean that a particular country cannot achieve a state of democracy. This article looks at the mechanisms that promote democratisation and the conditions under which they emerge. The degree of education plays a key role in democratisation. Higher education levels generally lead to increased political participation, as citizens are better equipped to understand complex issues. Educated citizens are also more likely to engage in the political process, demanding inclusion and accountability. Furthermore, they hold values that are compatible with democracy. In order to promote the growth of democratisation, it is essential to improve the content of education. To ensure that citizens are capable of evaluating various political concepts, it is essential that they receive education that teaches them about their own country and its culture. Moreover, the process of democratisation is often divided into two phases: the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and the consolidation of democracy. During this phase, the authoritarian regime must be undermined, and the new democratic rules must be institutionalised. However, in reverse waves of democratisation, the transition does not lead to consolidation. It is important to understand these different phases, because the dynamics of the transition from authoritarian to democratic regimes vary across countries. Besides the top-down approach, there are several other ways to promote democratisation. Bottom-up democratisation is a form of grassroots democratisation, and relies on civil society and opposition parties to drive development. A case study of this approach is Tanzania, which experienced bottom-up democratisation between 1961 and 1991. Before this, Tanzania was an authoritarian non-development state with strong economies of affection and lack of accountability. The post-Coldwar period brought renewed hope that democracy would be the key to the country’s development. Despite these differences, there is a common theme among these countries. A strong middle class is seen as a stabilizing and moderating force, preventing authoritarian tendencies, and protecting the vulnerable from the extremes. By seeking economic security, political stability, and social rights, the middle class balances these extreme positions. For these reasons, the middle class was critical to the democratization processes of several countries. And the rise of the middle class has helped democratisation in many parts of the world. While democratisation has brought the country closer to the global market, it has also boosted inequality in some areas. In the first decade of democratisation, there was a huge rise in inequality in the country. But this did not translate into redistribution. Inflation nullified the benefits of redistribution, and instead concentrated income in the hands of the rich. Consequently, the country’s inequality levels have continued to increase.