Democratization

What exactly is a democracy? How does it emerge and spread? Taking into account the turbulent changes and trends characterising global politics in recent years, this textbook offers an accessible introduction to the subject of democratization, and the challenges facing its progress. Taking a thematic approach, the book is structured into two parts. Part one, 'Democratization from Within', evaluates the internal political, economic and social conditions that enable or constrain democratization, while part two, 'Democratization from Without', examines the external factors outside of the state that create pressure for democratic reform. Topics covered include the rise and apparent resilience of illiberal democracies and competitive authoritarianism; the threat of global terrorism, insurgencies, and counter-insurgencies in many parts of the world; and democratic decay, including the electoral gains of far-right movements, popular malaise over representation and institutional performance, as well as declining civic participation. Assuming no prior knowledge, this is the ideal introductory text for those studying democratization for the first time.