Mapping ambiguity in democratization

Carnegie, Paul J. (2009) Mapping ambiguity in democratization. Europolis: Journal of Political Science and Theory, 5 (1). pp. 397-415. ISSN 1582-4969

Preview

PDF Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

There is already agreement that countries do not emerge in straightforward transitions from authoritarian rule to multi-party democracy. Yet, we find less consensus on how and why democratic institutions, practices and values become entrenched and accepted. This owes much to the fact that two approaches broadly frame the analysis of democratization, namely structural and actor-centric. Each approach carries with it different assumptions about the dynamics of regime change. As a result, scholarly interpretations reflect a tension between how we frame democratization and the conclusions we arrive at. This makes it increasingly difficult to grasp the ambiguous institutional outcomes of recent advances. The following article addresses the challenge of relating ambiguity to the study of democratization. Firstly, rather than neglect the key insights on transition and consolidation provided by the two above approaches, this article offers a complimentary critique of them. Suitably equipped with directions from the extant literature, it proceeds to outline a conceptual framework for mapping ambiguous post-authoritarian settlements.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) > School of Government, Development and International Affairs
Depositing User:	Repo Editor
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2016 03:44
Last Modified:	15 Dec 2016 03:44
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9156

UNSPECIFIED

Actions (login required)

View Item