What Is Democratisation?
Democratisation is the process of a country moving from an authoritarian regime to a democracy. The term is usually applied to a country’s political system, but it can also be used to refer to broader civil society changes, including civic engagement and volunteering (see image). Democratisation is often a long and arduous process. Even in countries that have a democratic government, the transition to a full democracy may take decades, and the processes involved can be complicated.
The democratisation process is complicated because it involves the creation of new institutions and practices. The development of new institutions can be difficult, and it can take a long time before people develop trust in those institutions. Moreover, it is rare for a country to go from one type of government to another without experiencing some degree of social upheaval during the transition period.
Many scholars and observers believe that there are some basic principles that guide a democratization process. Generally, these principles include building a civil society, generating economic development, promoting education, and avoiding military involvement in politics. However, there are many other factors that can influence a democratization process, and some of these factors have the potential to make it more or less successful.
Among the most significant obstacles to democratization is the resistance of existing political elites to give up power. This can be due to the fear of losing control over the economy, or because of fears that a democracy will lead to economic instability or social discontent. In addition, there are also a number of cultural and ideological barriers that can prevent a society from becoming more democratic.
There are many theories about the causes of democratisation, and the debate is not yet settled. Some scholars see industrialization as a factor, while others point to other causes, such as changes in the role of women, or the effects of foreign aid. Others emphasize the importance of a democratic political culture, which consists of a collection of attitudes and values that are associated with democracy. These include a tolerance for diversity, the belief that other citizens are basically trustworthy, and a commitment to civil liberties and free speech.
Some scholars also argue that democratic processes are shaped by international structural forces. For example, economic development tends to lead to a growing educated middle class that has an interest in participating in governance issues and the capacity to do so. This can put pressure on authoritarian governments to democratize. In the past, this has led to a series of “democratic waves” that have spread from West Europe and North America to Latin America, Asia and Africa.
These “democratic waves” have not always been successful, and some have stopped or stalled. In addition, a number of formerly autocratic states have moved away from democracy to some form of hybrid or concealed authoritarianism. Nevertheless, the overall trend is toward more and more democratic governance around the world.
Democratisation is the process of a country moving from an authoritarian regime to a democracy. The term is usually applied to a country’s political system, but it can also be used to refer to broader civil society changes, including civic engagement and volunteering (see image). Democratisation is often a long and arduous process. Even in countries that have a democratic government, the transition to a full democracy may take decades, and the processes involved can be complicated. The democratisation process is complicated because it involves the creation of new institutions and practices. The development of new institutions can be difficult, and it can take a long time before people develop trust in those institutions. Moreover, it is rare for a country to go from one type of government to another without experiencing some degree of social upheaval during the transition period. Many scholars and observers believe that there are some basic principles that guide a democratization process. Generally, these principles include building a civil society, generating economic development, promoting education, and avoiding military involvement in politics. However, there are many other factors that can influence a democratization process, and some of these factors have the potential to make it more or less successful. Among the most significant obstacles to democratization is the resistance of existing political elites to give up power. This can be due to the fear of losing control over the economy, or because of fears that a democracy will lead to economic instability or social discontent. In addition, there are also a number of cultural and ideological barriers that can prevent a society from becoming more democratic. There are many theories about the causes of democratisation, and the debate is not yet settled. Some scholars see industrialization as a factor, while others point to other causes, such as changes in the role of women, or the effects of foreign aid. Others emphasize the importance of a democratic political culture, which consists of a collection of attitudes and values that are associated with democracy. These include a tolerance for diversity, the belief that other citizens are basically trustworthy, and a commitment to civil liberties and free speech. Some scholars also argue that democratic processes are shaped by international structural forces. For example, economic development tends to lead to a growing educated middle class that has an interest in participating in governance issues and the capacity to do so. This can put pressure on authoritarian governments to democratize. In the past, this has led to a series of “democratic waves” that have spread from West Europe and North America to Latin America, Asia and Africa. These “democratic waves” have not always been successful, and some have stopped or stalled. In addition, a number of formerly autocratic states have moved away from democracy to some form of hybrid or concealed authoritarianism. Nevertheless, the overall trend is toward more and more democratic governance around the world.