Conflict Resolution and the Concept of Democratisation
Democratisation is one of the most important concepts in modern political science, a trend that continues to reshape the worldwide political landscape. It is also a topic that is increasingly being considered by practitioners working in conflict resolution, who need to understand the complexities of this process and the challenges it poses.
Despite the difficulties, democratisation is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful global political trends, although there are a number of issues that continue to plague it and limit its impact. For example, a significant obstacle to democracy is that it does not automatically lead to economic growth and prosperity. There have been a number of cases in which developing countries have struggled to overcome this problem, and the issue is still debated among academics and policy makers.
Another challenge is that democratisation is not a one-size-fits-all approach and different societies require unique approaches to the process. This is illustrated by the fact that a number of ‘new’ democracies are in transition between various levels of procedural democracy and substantive democracy. Moreover, it is not a linear process and the path taken can be influenced by both domestic and international factors.
The study of democratisation has impacted the field of politics itself and given rise to new theories that focus on the reasons for its success or failure. Some of these include the ‘transition theory’, which suggests that the decisions made and circumstances encountered at key junctures in the democratic process can have a great influence on whether a country becomes a democratic one.
Other theorists have argued that structural variables such as the nature of a nation’s economic structure and class relations have a profound effect on its democratisation prospects. For example, it has been argued that nations with more capitalist economies are more likely to become democratic than those with more socialist or communist structures.
In addition, it is widely accepted that a number of conditions must be present for a society to be ready for democracy. This includes free and fair elections, a vibrant civil society, and the rule of law. These are all essential for the survival of a democracy, and the failure to meet them is often a significant obstacle that can undermine its stability.
Democratisation can be promoted by governments and non-governmental organisations, but it is ultimately up to individual citizens to support policies that advance the process. This may mean donating to charities that work on the ground in developing countries to promote democracy, such as Freedom Rising, or getting involved with civil-society groups in their own country that are actively working on building democracy. It can also mean promoting the idea of democracy to family and friends in non-democratic countries. In the long run, however, it is most effective when citizens take a stand for democracy themselves by getting involved in political life in their home countries. This can be done by voting in elections, by writing letters to their representatives and senators, or by joining social-action groups such as clean-up crews like this group of volunteers who helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It is also possible to support democratic movements abroad, although this can involve some risk.
Democratisation is one of the most important concepts in modern political science, a trend that continues to reshape the worldwide political landscape. It is also a topic that is increasingly being considered by practitioners working in conflict resolution, who need to understand the complexities of this process and the challenges it poses. Despite the difficulties, democratisation is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful global political trends, although there are a number of issues that continue to plague it and limit its impact. For example, a significant obstacle to democracy is that it does not automatically lead to economic growth and prosperity. There have been a number of cases in which developing countries have struggled to overcome this problem, and the issue is still debated among academics and policy makers. Another challenge is that democratisation is not a one-size-fits-all approach and different societies require unique approaches to the process. This is illustrated by the fact that a number of ‘new’ democracies are in transition between various levels of procedural democracy and substantive democracy. Moreover, it is not a linear process and the path taken can be influenced by both domestic and international factors. The study of democratisation has impacted the field of politics itself and given rise to new theories that focus on the reasons for its success or failure. Some of these include the ‘transition theory’, which suggests that the decisions made and circumstances encountered at key junctures in the democratic process can have a great influence on whether a country becomes a democratic one. Other theorists have argued that structural variables such as the nature of a nation’s economic structure and class relations have a profound effect on its democratisation prospects. For example, it has been argued that nations with more capitalist economies are more likely to become democratic than those with more socialist or communist structures. In addition, it is widely accepted that a number of conditions must be present for a society to be ready for democracy. This includes free and fair elections, a vibrant civil society, and the rule of law. These are all essential for the survival of a democracy, and the failure to meet them is often a significant obstacle that can undermine its stability. Democratisation can be promoted by governments and non-governmental organisations, but it is ultimately up to individual citizens to support policies that advance the process. This may mean donating to charities that work on the ground in developing countries to promote democracy, such as Freedom Rising, or getting involved with civil-society groups in their own country that are actively working on building democracy. It can also mean promoting the idea of democracy to family and friends in non-democratic countries. In the long run, however, it is most effective when citizens take a stand for democracy themselves by getting involved in political life in their home countries. This can be done by voting in elections, by writing letters to their representatives and senators, or by joining social-action groups such as clean-up crews like this group of volunteers who helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It is also possible to support democratic movements abroad, although this can involve some risk.