Democratization in South Asia Lessons from American Institutions

Contents: Introduction; Political developments in South Asian countries; Problems of democratization in South Asia: authoritarian trends, military rule and deviations from democratic development; Electoral politics, institution building and democratization in South Asia; Politics, legislatures and democratization process in South Asia; Building institutions: political parties and democratization in South Asia; Conclusion: evaluation of democratization process in South Asia and lessons from American institutions; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

Biography

Mahfuzul H. Chowdhury, Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

’A theoretically informed, empirically rich comparison of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, this book explains why democratization depends overwhelmingly on the behavior of political elites and how this behavior may be modified.  Readers who question the relevance of the American model to democratization in South Asia - or anywhere - will find the concluding chapter particularly provocative.’ Professor William S. Turley, Southern Illinois University, USA ’Professor Chowdhury offers not only keen theoretical insight into the challenges facing democracy in South Asia but also practical advice for those willing to improve governance there. He boldly applies his keen mastery of the US system of government for the sake of legislative and executive reform in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.’ Professor William F.S. Miles, Northeastern University, Boston, USA