1st Edition

Democracy A Comparative Approach

By Svante Ersson, Jan-Erik Lane Copyright 2003
    320 Pages
    by Routledge

    320 Pages
    by Routledge

    What is democracy? Under what conditions does it thrive? What are the consequences of democracy?

    This book aims to answer these questions and more by exploring different varieties of democracies around the world. It starts with definitions of democracy and then divides the concept into three dimensions, which provide a framework for the study of democracy in all its forms. These dimensions form the three main sections of the book:

    *constitutional democracy which explores political rights
    *participatory democracy which focuses on participation of citizens
    *egalitarian democracy which examines outcomes of democracy in terms of equality.

    Democracy concludes by surveying the findings of this empirical study and a discussion on the meanings and consequences of democracy in a globalizing world.

    Introduction: Tocqueville's question 1 Democracy: ideal or real? 2 Methodological positivism: its relevance for democracy analysis PART II Exogeneity 3 The economy 4 Ethnicity 5 Religion PART III Endogeneity 6 Political institutions 7 Democratic consolidation: the fate of Eastern Europe and the CIS countries 8 The impact of institutional conditions in Third World countries PART IV Outcomes of democracy 9 Equality 10 Democracy, pollution and corruption PART V Conclusions 11 Participation, e-voting and principal-agent interaction 12 Conclusion: how can we enhance democracy?

    Biography

    Svante Ersson, Jan-Erik Lane