Question

Select one explanation for democratization. Provide an example of a case that proves that this explanation is either incorrect or insufficient.

Answer 1

Democratization is the process of spread of democratic principles and practises bringing in a transition from an authoritarian to a democraatic political set up. It relates to the shift of political decision making from few to masses and giving masses more political voice and space.

There are two main explanations to democratization. One that focusses on favourable structural conditions and other that depends on elite choice.

The elite choice approach states that democratization process in any country is not an evolutionary mechanism. It does not happen of its own. Democratization is a highly complex poltical process and needs socio-economic overhaul which can not take place automatically. Thus the credit for democratization in any country goes to the political elites of the country.

The political elites involve in discussion among themselves regarding what is best for their country and hence settle for democratization as a means to empower their people. They involve in the transition process and shift to new regime and decide on the mechanism and pace of it.

However the elite choice approach is not full proof in itself. A case can be sighted of comminist countries where this system failed. In countries like Russia , the elites brought in a system of democratic government which was baesd on egalitarian principles. Today,however,most of these communist countries are falling into authoritarianism , be it Russia, Cuba or Venezuela. The fate of countries of Latin America today are another example to prove the insufgiciency of this explanation.