Democracy And Democratization: Processes And Prospects In A Changing World

What is democracy? What are the pitfalls and the positive potentials in the growing trend toward democratization?This book examines the prospects for democracy in the world today and frames the central dilemma confronting all states touched by the process of democratization. Georg Sørensen clarifies the concept of democracy, shows its application in different contexts, and questions whether democratic advancement will continue—and if so, at what price. The consequences of democracy for economic development, human rights, and peaceful relations among countries are illuminated in both their positive and negative aspects.Following the success of the first edition of Democracy and Democratization, Sørensen has updated the book with a new section on the prospects of democracy as we approach the millennium, an extended discussion of the economic performance of recently democratized countries, and an evaluation of the possibilities for further democratic consolidation. The second edition features a wealth of new case studies, examples, and anecdotes to illustrate historical as well as contemporary instances of democratic transition.Democracy, as Sørensen convincingly portrays it, is a value in itself as well as a potential promoter of peace, prosperity, and human well-being. But democracy is not inevitable, and actions at every level—from the individual to the international—are necessary to ensure that frail or “frozen” democracies do not founder and that established democracies flourish.

Georg Sørensen is professor of international politics and economics at the University of Aarhus, Denmark. He has written numerous books and articles on international relations and development issues.