POSC 405 - Democratization

Credit Hours: 4
Frequency of Offering: Offered in alternate years, usually in the spring semester

The late 20th century has been a time when democratic government has spread dramatically around the world. From Latin America to Africa, in Europe and Asia, authoritarian regimes have yielded to democratic forces, making their governments more responsive to ordinary citizens and their societies more open. Many states have embarked upon a process of democratization for the first time. Others have moved to restore their democratic roots. However, many new democracies are not yet stable, and there is nothing about these transitions that is pre-destined or irreversible. This course introduces students to different types of transitions to democracy throughout the world and the consequences of these processes. This course will provide an overview of the major theoretical problems associated with the process of democratization as well as an understanding of specific policy issues associated with promoting democratic rule in transitioning countries. Students will gain empirical and theoretical understandings of the major factors associated with democratic transitions.

Prerequisite(s): POSC 252 or POSC 262 or permission of the instructor.