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2. Erik Doxtader and Charles Villa-Vicencio, eds. Through Fire with Water: The Roots of Division and the Potential for Reconciliation in Africa. Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, Inc, 2003. 405 pp. Maps. Notes. $29.95. Paper. - Carolyn Nordstrom. Shadows of War: Violence, Power, and International Profiteering in the Twenty-First Century. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2004. 293 pp. Photographs. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $50.00. Cloth. $19.95. Paper
- Author
-
John W. Harbeson
- Subjects
Cultural Studies ,Human rights ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Ethnic group ,Opposition (politics) ,Profiteering ,Sierra leone ,Politics ,Democratic consolidation ,Anthropology ,Law ,Economic history ,Sociology ,Internal conflict ,media_common - Abstract
Erik Doxtader and Charles Villa-Vicencio, eds. Through Fire with Water: The Roots of Division and the Potential for Reconciliation in Africa. Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, lnc, 2003. 405 pp. Maps. Notes. $29.95. Paper. Carolyn Nordstrom. Shadows of War: Violence, Power, and International Profiteering in the Twenty-First Century. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2004. 293 pp. Photographs. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $50.00. Cloth. $19.95. Paper. Through Fire with Water and Shadows of War document the pervasive, endless, and complex political conflicts that have afflicted sub-Saharan Africa in the later twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As such they are essential reading for specialists and nonspecialists alike who would seek to understand in greater depth the weakness, fragility, and even collapse of postcolonial sub-Saharan African states. Each volume, moreover, brings to the table atypical perspectives on these conflict syndromes. Carolyn Nordstrom offers the insights of an anthropologist on subjects that have tended to be dominated by political scientists. Erik Doxtader and Charles Villa-Vicencio have assembled the much-too-infrequently heard perspectives of African scholars and practitioners and others who have immersed themselves in the postindependence stories of African countries. Through Fire with Water is a collection of essays profiling the historical roots and course of internal conflicts in fifteen sub-Saharan African countries, together with assessments of prospects for peace-building and reconciliation. It is introduced by the distinguished jurist Richard Goldstone. The essays are arranged according to estimates of the status of the conflicts: countries in the process of healing with potential for transitions to stable polities; countries in the midst of ongoing and recurrent conflicts; and finally those that are wrestling with the challenges of democratic consolidation. The countries selected are from all regions but with a predominance of southern and eastern African entries, although Nigeria and Sierra Leone are included among the countries estimated to be in healing phases. All five of the essays focused on democratic consolidation are about southern African countries. A remarkable and important inclusion is Botswana. Long recognized as one of two sub-Saharan African stable democracies since independence (the other is Mauritius), Botswana nonetheless exhibits weak opposition parties, low and declining voter turnout, simmering ethnic tensions, a globe-leading HIV/AIDS pandemic, and shortfalls in observance of human rights. Presumably for reasons of length, there are no chapters on major conflicts in Liberia and elsewhere in the Horn of Africa besides Somalia. The essays are all detailed, comprehensive, and, it would appear, balanced. …
- Published
- 2005
3. Assessment of Challenges of Governance and Democratic Consolidation in Lesotho, 1993-2022.
- Author
-
Nkabane, Matsilo Elizabeth and Wantchami, Nengieh Lizzie
- Subjects
DEMOCRATIZATION ,CORRUPTION ,POLITICAL stability ,NEPOTISM - Abstract
The Kingdom of Lesotho is beset by multiple challenges that hinder a full process of democratic consolidation. Like many other African countries, Lesotho is trapped in a myriad of challenges, including the politicization of independent institutions, such as the judiciary and security institutions, that contribute to perennial political instabilities and rampant corruption. Qualitative research was used to examine the challenges of democratic consolidation in Lesotho from the year 1993 to 2022. This paper, historically, using secondary data, uncovers the factors that continue to impede democratic consolidation in Lesotho from the period of fragile democracy in 1993 to the present unstable coalition governments. The central contention in the paper is that ever since Lesotho was declared a democratic state in 1993, the democratization process has been slow as there have been perpetual instabilities, lack of service delivery such as infrastructure, unemployment, and high rates of nepotism in the public sector that undermine sustainable democracy. Recommendations are that the political rights of citizens should be increased, civil society should be empowered, and the military should be put under civil control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Democratic Consolidation in Eastern Europe. Volume 2, International and Transnational Factors. Ed. Jan Zielonka and Alex Pravda. Oxford Studies in Democratization. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. xii, 556 pp. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Figures. Tables. $29.95, paper
- Author
-
Thomas A. Baylis
- Subjects
Cultural Studies ,Democratic consolidation ,History ,Index (economics) ,Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) ,Political economy ,Economic history ,Democratization - Published
- 2002
5. The President and Congress in Postauthoritarian Chile: Institutional Constraints to Democratic Consolidation. By Peter M. Siavelis. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2000. 245p. $55.00 cloth, $18.95 paper
- Author
-
Katherine Hite
- Subjects
Democratic consolidation ,Sociology and Political Science ,State (polity) ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Political science ,Political economy ,Political Science and International Relations ,Economic history ,media_common - Published
- 2000
6. The Politics of Democratic Consolidation: Southern Europe in Comparative Perspective. Edited by Richard Gunther, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, and Hans-Jürgen Puhle. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995. 493p. $60.00 cloth, $17.95 paper
- Author
-
Enrique A. Baloyra
- Subjects
Democratic consolidation ,Politics ,Sociology and Political Science ,Political economy ,Political science ,Political Science and International Relations ,Economic history ,Comparative perspective - Published
- 1996
7. Issues in Democratic Consolidation: The New South American Democracies in Comparative Perspective. Edited by Scott Mainwaring, Guillermo O'Donnell, and J. Samuel Valenzuela. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1992. 357p. $42.95 cloth, $19.95 paper
- Author
-
Mitchell A. Seligson
- Subjects
Democratic consolidation ,Sociology and Political Science ,Political science ,Political economy ,South american ,Political Science and International Relations ,Economic history ,Comparative perspective - Published
- 1994
8. Patriarch and Folk: The Emergence of Nicaragua, 1798–1858. By E. Bradford Burns. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1992. 307p. $39.95. - Elites and Democratic Consolidation in Latin America and Southern Europe. Edited by John Higley and Richard Gunther. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1992. 354p. $49.95 cloth, $16.95 paper
- Author
-
Martin C. Needler
- Subjects
Democratic consolidation ,Latin Americans ,Sociology and Political Science ,Political science ,Political Science and International Relations ,Economic history ,Theology - Published
- 1993
9. ISSUES IN DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA: BETWEEN COMPETITIVENESS AND REGULARITY OF ELECTIONS.
- Author
-
OKEKE, Remi Chukwudi and MUONEKE, Chukwuemeka Vincent
- Subjects
DEMOCRATIZATION ,ELECTIONS ,LOCAL government ,MILITARY government ,BOUNDARY disputes ,POPULAR literature - Abstract
This paper examined issues in democratic consolidation in Nigeria by focusing on the nature of the linkages among competitiveness of elections, regularity of elections and democratic consolidation in the country. The haunting experience of a protracted period of military rule in the West African state makes the subject matter of democratic consolidation in the country usually engaging. Even at that, extant literature has not adequately covered issues bordering on the linkages among the competitiveness of elections, regularity of elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. What then is the nature of the linkages among these research variables? The methodology of the work is qualitative and relies on secondary sources of non-numerical data for analyses. The paper found a position of disarticulated relationship among the study's variables. In addressing the embedded issues, it is recommended that independent candidature be constitutionally introduced as part of the electoral culture of the local government system in Nigeria. So that under such scenarios, as many citizens as possible at the local government level would usually become candidates during council elections. In so doing, competitiveness would have become totally practicalized and locally epitomized in democratic consolidation in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY: LESSONS FOR TRANSITION COUNTRIES.
- Author
-
Đorić, Žarko
- Subjects
EMPLOYEE ownership ,ECONOMIC development ,ECONOMIC indicators ,TRANSITION economies ,GEOGRAPHIC boundaries ,DEMOGRAPHIC transition - Abstract
The key preoccupation and focus of the analytical attention of this paper is the consideration of the causative and consequential relations between the political and economic dimension of social life, that is, passing the boundary line between economy and politics. The major debate in this paper is: what is the causal relationship between democracy and economic development? When we are debating the Democracy-Development Nexus, the key finding of the analysis is reflected in the fact that, in spite of what the evidence in the scholarly literature is mixed and inconclusive, there is little disagreement that over time democracy and development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Although a strong positive link between the GDP per capita (key indicator of economic development) and the degree of development of the democratic structure in the case of selected transition economies has been confirmed, democracy, however, does not exclusively depend on the state of the economy, and economic weakness does not translate directly into the impossibility of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. The dichotomy of electoral choice in fragmented societies: Prospects of 2023 Nigerian general elections.
- Author
-
Adewumi, Adeyinka Patrick
- Subjects
ELECTIONS ,POLITICIANS ,VOTING ,DEMOCRACY - Abstract
Copyright of Masyarakat, Kebudayaan & Politik is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Party's presidential primaries and the consolidation of democracy in Ghana's 4th Republic.
- Author
-
Amoako Addae, Michael
- Abstract
Democracy under any system of rule is associated with vibrant political parties and credible elections. Both are indispensable in a representative democracy. The good conduct of elections within a political party promotes and consolidates democracy. Political parties in Ghana have suffered internal conflict resulting in factions, break-away, and the formation of new parties because of undemocratic party operations especially in the conduct of primaries. This act threatens the country's attempt to consolidate its democracy. Internal party reforms are adopted to ensure democratic practices and operations. The reforms include widening the electoral base of the party in the selection of candidates, simultaneous conduction of polls across constituencies, and restriction of candidates eligible for elections. These reforms are to reduce vote-buying, intimidation, physical assault, and fierce competition to enhance legitimisation of election results and the acceptability of candidates. The paper assessed how the various reforms adopted by the two major political parties in Ghana have influenced and legitimised the conduct of presidential primaries. The paper adopted a qualitative research design through interviews and reviewed extant literature to set the theoretical basis of the study. It is realised that the operationalisation of the reforms in 2014 and 2019 of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), respectively, has reduced the rancour associated hitherto with primaries. This exercise has gone a long way in consolidating democracy with a peaceful conduct of presidential primaries notwithstanding vestiges of vote-buying, security breaches, party executive biases, and high party nomination fees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. The Relation Among Regional Organisations, the Consolidation of Democracy and Citizen Security: The Cases of SICA and UNASUR.
- Author
-
Forti Neto, Octávio
- Subjects
DEMOCRATIZATION ,SYSTEM integration ,SECURITY management ,CITIZENS ,HISPANIC Americans ,RULE of law - Abstract
Copyright of Contexto Internacional is the property of Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Relacoes Internacionais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Transitional justice and democratic consolidation in post-communist Eastern Europe: Romania and Albania.
- Author
-
KALEMAJ, Ilir
- Subjects
TRANSITIONAL justice ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,COMMUNIST countries ,NEW democracies ,KALEIDOSCOPES - Abstract
While there are many studies on the democratization trajectory of former communist countries of Eastern Europe, only a few of them have a particular focus on how transitional justice helps democratic consolidation. The present comparative study seeks to fill that gap by focusing specifically on the cases of Romania and Albania, situating them in the wider kaleidoscope of former Eastern Europe. Some of these countries have had a fast implementation of transitional justice measures and successful democratization. Yet, despite adopting an early mechanism of transitional justice, others did not necessarily have any particular success in their democratic endeavour. On the other hand, additional states have had democratic consolidation despite not undertaking such rapid measures (for example Estonia), while others have failed either to adopt the transitional justice mechanisms or democratizing at all (i.e., Belarus). The present paper offers a theoretical framework that seeks to capture and explain such dynamics and by referring specifically to the telling cases of Romania and Albania, to explain what role and impact transitional justice measures have in democratic transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. The Impacts of Political Corruption on Democratic Consolidation and the Electoral Process in Nigeria.
- Author
-
Ebegbulem, Joseph C.
- Subjects
POLITICAL corruption ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,POLITICAL participation ,POLITICIANS ,MILITARY government - Abstract
Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed an uninterrupted democratic experiment with many challenges. With the installation of multi-party democracy in Nigeria, the era of military authoritarian regimes were over as Nigerians were looking forward to a free society characterized by social justice, economic growth and free, fair and credible electoral process. But today, democracy sits on the horn of a dilemma in Nigeria due to massive political corruption by the leaders. Free and fair election which is one of the features of true democracy has eluded Nigeria since the advent of the country’s nascent democratic dispensation. The behavior of the political leaders has cast doubt on any consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. This paper gives a comprehensive definition of political corruption and democratic consolidation, and highlights the nature of political corruption in Nigeria. The paper also examines the impact of corruption on the consolidation of democracy under the prevailing socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Finally, the paper concludes with the advice that for there to be democratic consolidation, there must be massive investment in the provision of the basic needs of the Nigerian people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. ISSUES IN DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA: BETWEEN COMPETITIVENESS AND REGULARITY OF ELECTIONS
- Author
-
Remi Chukwudi OKEKE and Chukwuemeka Vincent MUONEKE
- Subjects
democratic consolidation ,democratic consolidation in nigeria ,competitiveness of elections ,elite theoretical framework ,elite theory ,Law ,Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence ,K1-7720 ,Social Sciences ,Finance ,HG1-9999 - Abstract
This paper examined issues in democratic consolidation in Nigeria by focusing on the nature of the linkages among competitiveness of elections, regularity of elections and democratic consolidation in the country. The haunting experience of a protracted period of military rule in the West African state makes the subject matter of democratic consolidation in the country usually engaging. Even at that, extant literature has not adequately covered issues bordering on the linkages among the competitiveness of elections, regularity of elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. What then is the nature of the linkages among these research variables? The methodology of the work is qualitative and relies on secondary sources of non-numerical data for analyses. The paper found a position of disarticulated relationship among the study’s variables. In addressing the embedded issues, it is recommended that independent candidature be constitutionally introduced as part of the electoral culture of the local government system in Nigeria. So that under such scenarios, as many citizens as possible at the local government level would usually become candidates during council elections. In so doing, competitiveness would have become totally practicalized and locally epitomized in democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. DEMOKRASİNİN GÜÇLENMESİ - SİVİL TOPLUM TARTIŞMALARINDA BİR DIŞ AKTÖR OLARAK AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ.
- Author
-
ÇEPEL, Zühal ÜNALP
- Abstract
Copyright of Ankara Review of European Studies (ARES) / Ankara Avrupa Çalışmaları Dergisi (AAÇD) is the property of Ankara University European Union Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2017
18. Impact of Competing Values and Choices on Democratic Support in Hong Kong.
- Author
-
Lam, Wai-man
- Subjects
DEMOCRACY ,ETHICS research ,CHOICE (Psychology) ,AUTHORITARIANISM ,NATIONALISM ,SOCIAL surveys ,CONFIRMATORY factor analysis - Abstract
This paper examines the reasons for the relatively low democratic support (DS) in Hong Kong in the context of competing values and choices based on the previous Asian Barometer Surveys. In so doing, it establishes a three-factor theoretical model that includes survey attitudinal statements related to authoritarianism (AU), nationalism (NA) and economic evaluations (EC) on DS. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the analysis shows that the hypothesized model is a very good fit. The Hong Kong people's relatively low DS, in terms of their unconditional support for democracy and the degree of democracy they want for Hong Kong, can be well explained by the three factors in combination. The factors have various extent of impact on DS, with AU being the strongest, followed by EC, and then NA. The paper contributes by illustrating the usefulness of CFA in political values research, unraveling the comparative importance of the values and choices in affecting DS, and establishing a model for further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. How Democratic Is Taiwan? Evaluating Twenty Years of Political Change.
- Author
-
Templeman, Kharis
- Subjects
POLITICAL change ,POLITICAL corruption ,POLARIZATION (Social sciences) ,ACHIEVEMENT ,POLITICAL systems ,POLITICAL parties ,CORRUPTION laws - Abstract
This article evaluates Taiwan's current democratic strengths and weaknesses and considers how the quality of democracy has changed over time. It reviews some of the comparative democracy indices to document improvements across a broad set of measures since the transition to democracy. It also presents qualitative evidence of improvements in five problem areas in Taiwan's political system identified twenty years ago: political corruption; rule of law; political polarization; institutional defects; and mass values. It then discusses new concerns that have emerged since 2000, most notably the growing influence of the People's Republic of China over business groups, political parties, and civil society actors in Taiwan. The paper concludes with consideration of some of the common problems that other democracies have encountered in recent years and notes the many alternative pathways to democratic regression or failure that Taiwan has so far managed to avoid. This comparative perspective highlights Taiwan's impressive democratic achievements: despite some remaining shortcomings. it is now among the most liberal, robust, and resilient democracies in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
20. Participatory Action Research and Prospects for Electoral Conflict Prevention in Zambia.
- Author
-
Fumpa-Makano, Rosemary and Mbaulu Mukanda, Major General Vincent
- Subjects
COMMUNITY-based participatory research ,ZAMBIAN politics & government ,ELECTIONS - Abstract
Although elections are fundamental to democratic consolidation by peacefully electing people to serve in public offices, in many cases they not only bring along ideological contestations but also interparty violent conflicts. Based on a Participatory Action Research (PAR) design, this paper presents field-based lessons on training conducted to curb interparty electoral conflict prior to August 2016 general elections held in Zambia. The study comprised 521 participants from nine political parties which contested in 2016 general elections. Party officials were purposely selected from their provincial, district and constituency level hierarchy. The study aimed at understanding causes for interparty political violence and identifying solutions to address the same. Findings show that major drivers of political violence in Zambia include a deep-rooted "tradition" of practicing politics of intimidation to gain political mileage, political players' ignorance about electoral laws, weak law enforcement, and poverty (an element that drives the desire to earn a living from any opportunity). Unemployed youths are particularly vulnerable and are abused by the political elites to fan violence at a small fee. The study affirms the importance of action research as a useful bottom-up strategy for conflict prevention, especially in illiberal democracies in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
21. Military conscription as a means of stabilizing democratic regimes.
- Author
-
Adam, Antonis
- Subjects
DRAFT (Military service) ,DEMOCRACY ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,POLITICAL stability ,ARMIES ,MILITARY service - Abstract
Previous studies on the determinants of military conscription have found no association between the level of democracy and conscription. This paper argues that the stability of democratic institutions, rather than the current level of democracy, affects the decision to raise a conscript army. We hypothesize that countries with unstable democratic institutions employ military conscription as a mechanism to control the military and to prevent its involvement in a successful coup. By using data on 149 countries for the years 1970 to 2005, we find that countries with long-standing democratic traditions are less likely to use conscription, corroborating our hypothesis. Our results are robust to variations in specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. The Impacts of Political Corruption on Democratic Consolidation and the Electoral Process in Nigeria
- Author
-
Joseph C. Ebegbulem
- Subjects
political corruption ,democratic consolidation ,godfatherism ,ethnicism ,democracy ,Social Sciences ,Economics as a science ,HB71-74 - Abstract
Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed an uninterrupted democratic experiment with many challenges. With the installation of multi-party democracy in Nigeria, the era of military authoritarian regimes were over as Nigerians were looking forward to a free society characterized by social justice, economic growth and free, fair and credible electoral process. But today, democracy sits on the horn of a dilemma in Nigeria due to massive political corruption by the leaders. Free and fair election which is one of the features of true democracy has eluded Nigeria since the advent of the country’s nascent democratic dispensation. The behavior of the political leaders has cast doubt on any consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. This paper gives a comprehensive definition of political corruption and democratic consolidation, and highlights the nature of political corruption in Nigeria. The paper also examines the impact of corruption on the consolidation of democracy under the prevailing socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Finally, the paper concludes with the advice that for there to be democratic consolidation, there must be massive investment in the provision of the basic needs of the Nigerian people.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. The Third Peaceful Transfer of Power and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana.
- Author
-
Graham, Emmanuel, Gyampo, Ransford, Faanu, Pamphilious, and Yobo, Eric
- Subjects
- *
DEMOCRATIZATION , *POWER (Social sciences) , *ELECTIONS , *POLITICS & ethnic relations , *CIVIL society - Abstract
This paper examines Ghana's drive towards democratic consolidation and maturity after a third peaceful transfer of political power. It argues that even though some successes have been made, any attempt at describing Ghana's democracy as consolidated, would mean condoning mediocrity and lowering the bar of democratic consolidation. From the minimalists' view of democratic consolidation, the paper concedes the successes made after three turnover and peaceful transfer of power. However, this paper takes the view that Ghana's electoral processes continue to be saddled with monumental flaws that undermine the integrity of elections and poses a threat of democratic relapse. From the maximalists view, the study points to some successes in terms of the existence of a multi-party system, the implementation of some electoral reforms, the existence of vibrant civil society and media as well as the acceptance of democratic norms behaviourally, attitudinally and constitutionally by the ordinary Ghanaian citizenry and political elites. These achievements notwithstanding, the study identifies several deficits of democratic consolidation including excessive powers of the executive president, ethnic or tribal politics, post-election violence, limited policy influence of civil society, as well as the deliberate effort at tagging civil society with a view to gagging them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
24. Theological defense for human rights in Indonesia
- Author
-
Aristo Purboadji
- Subjects
Human rights ,political theology ,religious education ,human flourishing ,democratic consolidation ,Christianity ,Fine Arts ,Arts in general ,NX1-820 ,General Works ,History of scholarship and learning. The humanities ,AZ20-999 - Abstract
This article argues that the surest and sincerest religious tolerance is one based upon the acceptance of the universality of human rights, and in the Indonesian context, such acceptance is best secured through Religious Education (RE). This paper further presents considerations for RE based on the political theology of human rights, augmented by the theology of human flourishing and greater emphasis on responsibility, within each recognized religion in Indonesia. Two exemplary cases of the political theology of human rights are highlighted within Christianity and Islam, (1) Miguel Vatter’s interpretation of Maritain’s political theology and (2) Mustafa Akyol’s (re)interpretation of Islamic theology. They are highlighted due to their unique interpretation of Scripture for the basis of the universality of human rights, namely Maritain’s Pauline notion of ‘sons of God’ and Akyol’s Addamiyah. Scholarly studies have depicted human rights culture (as a form of political culture) as an important determining factor in democratic consolidation, and in many cases, one notable obstacle to such human rights culture is religious/theological objections to human rights.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Nigerian Democratic Behaviour and Protest Reportage in 2015 General Elections.
- Author
-
Ani, Kelechi Johnmary
- Subjects
ELECTIONS ,SECONDARY research ,SOCIAL responsibility ,MASS media ,STEREOTYPES ,WELL-being ,VOTER turnout ,CORRUPT practices in elections - Abstract
Over the ages, the media have been charged with the statutory role of enhancing individual and societal well-being through unfettered sharing of information, values and opinions to engender informed decisions especially on political matters. Through communication, the mass media strengthens the capacity of individuals and groups in the society towards actively contributing to democratic growth, electoral behaviour and development. The question: how far have the media succeeded in discharging this social responsibility in Nigeria? It remains a burning national issue. This study presents the media role in expanding the democratic horizon in the country by focusing on the 2015 general elections and the reportage of protests that followed. The article went further to identify the diverse challenges facing the media, which include misinformation, stereotype and insecurity of journalists and offers plausible recommendations for enhancing the place of the media in democratic culture and governance in Nigeria. The study used mixed method to gather materials from the field on electoral protests. Histogram were used to present a clear analysis of findings, which were supported by secondary research. It found that there were discrepancies in the election reportage and also that the protests, which manifested during the election affected nation building activities and electoral behaviour in many parts of Nigeria. It consequently recommends peace journalism and improved media training for Nigerian journalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. The Myth of Civil Society’s Democratic Role: Volunteerism and Indonesian Democracy
- Author
-
Hurriyah Hurriyah
- Subjects
civil society ,volunteerism ,volunteers group ,presidential election ,democratic consolidation ,Political science - Abstract
Is a flourishing civil society’s political activism positively correlated with the deepening of Indonesian democracy? This article addresses this question by examining the role of civil society in the 2014 presidential election in Indonesia, focusing on the collective actions of volunteer groups (known as Gerakan Relawan) that shaped both the election process and its result. While some studies on civil society activism in the 2014 presidential election suggested the connection between the role of volunteer movement and the democratic process in Indonesia, this paper suggests that the overpraised assumptions regarding the connection between civil society’s role and democratic consolidation, in the case of volunteer movement, needs to be reconsidered. This paper argues that although the activism of the volunteer movement has positively contributed to the democratic process of the 2014 election, however, realistic assessment of the volunteer movement confirms its problematic nature and the limits of volunteer activism that may contribute to the disconnection of civil society and democratic consolidation in the country.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. The Brazilian Military Regime of 1964-1985: Legacies for Contemporary Democracy.
- Author
-
POWER, TIMOTHY J.
- Subjects
HISTORY of dictatorships ,AUTHORITARIANISM ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,MILITARY history ,CONSTITUTIONS ,TWENTIETH century ,MILITARY relations ,HISTORY - Abstract
Copyright of IBEROAMERICANA. América Latina - España - Portugal is the property of Vervuert Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2016
28. Party’s presidential primaries and the consolidation of democracy in Ghana’s 4th Republic
- Author
-
Michael Amoako Addae
- Subjects
primaries ,democratic consolidation ,reforms ,elections ,parties ,Social Sciences - Abstract
Democracy under any system of rule is associated with vibrant political parties and credible elections. Both are indispensable in a representative democracy. The good conduct of elections within a political party promotes and consolidates democracy. Political parties in Ghana have suffered internal conflict resulting in factions, break-away, and the formation of new parties because of undemocratic party operations especially in the conduct of primaries. This act threatens the country’s attempt to consolidate its democracy. Internal party reforms are adopted to ensure democratic practices and operations. The reforms include widening the electoral base of the party in the selection of candidates, simultaneous conduction of polls across constituencies, and restriction of candidates eligible for elections. These reforms are to reduce vote-buying, intimidation, physical assault, and fierce competition to enhance legitimisation of election results and the acceptability of candidates. The paper assessed how the various reforms adopted by the two major political parties in Ghana have influenced and legitimised the conduct of presidential primaries. The paper adopted a qualitative research design through interviews and reviewed extant literature to set the theoretical basis of the study. It is realised that the operationalisation of the reforms in 2014 and 2019 of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), respectively, has reduced the rancour associated hitherto with primaries. This exercise has gone a long way in consolidating democracy with a peaceful conduct of presidential primaries notwithstanding vestiges of vote-buying, security breaches, party executive biases, and high party nomination fees.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Political Vigilantism in Ghana's Democratic Consolidation: Critical Mass, Political Behavior, and Actor Choices.
- Author
-
ELIKEM ASHIABI, ERIC
- Subjects
- *
VIGILANCE committees , *DEMOCRACY , *POLITICAL violence , *POLITICAL culture - Abstract
Ghana's twenty-nine-year-old democracy has passed three 'turnover' tests. Though indicative of a consolidating democracy, there is a consistent increase of low intensity electoral violence. The perpetrators of such political violence are politicians acting through vigilante groups affiliated to their political parties. This paper seeks to unravel the puzzle why vigilante-perpetrated electoral violence rises even as Ghana's democracy consolidates. To answer this, the article utilizes the results of Afrobarometer survey rounds five and seven, data from Countries at Risk of Electoral Violence, and Bob-Milliar's disaggregate data of electoral violence in Ghana. By a times series analysis, elections were categorized into two cases according to trends in attacks on institutions around elections. Based on this, the hypothesis, "the higher the opposition's expected benefit of the use of vigilantism, the more electoral violence irrespective the stage of democracy" was tested. Then, the most similar systems design was used to study the relationship between independent economic, institutional, and political culture and actor variables and the dependent variable of democratic consolidation across both cases. The results indicate that vigilante attacks on institutions are more frequent around 'turnover' elections. This can be explained if considered that it is a rational behaviour of opposition political actors to attain power at all cost. These political choices have gained root in the absence of a critical mass against it. The danger is that vigilante activities after these elections inform a negative perception about crucial institutions such as the executive (the Presidency and the Ghana Police Service), the judiciary and the legislature. Thus, democracy suffers declining support amongst some Ghanaians. To eliminate political vigilantism in Ghana's democracy, more Ghanaians need to engage in political discourses to attain the critical mass that forces political actors to make democracy consolidating decisions, including disbanding all vigilante groups in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
30. The Influence of Regional Population Demographic Changes on the Composition of Voter Cohorts and Voting Behavior during the Democratic Consolidation Process.
- Author
-
Jungyoon Lee, Jaeseong Ahn, and Beomjong Park
- Subjects
DEMOCRATIZATION ,DEMOGRAPHIC change ,VOTING ,POLITICAL doctrines ,PRESIDENTIAL elections ,VOTE buying ,ELECTIONS - Abstract
This research examines how the changing demographic characteristics of voters affect generational structure of voters group and voting behavior on the presidential vote in South Korea. To do this, this research investigates the results from presidential elections in 2007 and 2017 by using the election data from 1997 as our baseline year which is not only recognized as the second presidential election corresponding with a democratic procedure, but regarded as a beginning of democratic consolidation in South Korea. Particularly, this research focuses on investigating how generational shifts in the Seoul metropolitan area (SMA) where has experienced dramatic demographic changes in the process of democratization since 1990s affect voters' decision by categorizing 66 local government entities within the SMA according to changes in population demographics as well as political ideology. The results indicate that voters' age is significantly correlated with the vote decision by ideological orientations, but its influence dramatically decreased in recent elections. Furthermore, this research utilized cluster analysis and ArcGIS to examine the similarity of municipalities within the SMA by clustering voters' demographics and election results (political orientations) based on the data from the 66 municipalities of the SMA. The cluster results indicate that these municipalities could be divided into six clusters by population aging and the level of conservatism of political orientation. It is interesting to note that certain phenomenon across cluster types appeared very similar, yet the cause of these phenomena was completely different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIC CHANGE: KEY CONCEPTS.
- Author
-
ANDREEVSKA, ELENA
- Subjects
HUMAN rights ,INVESTORS ,JUSTICE ,INHERITANCE & succession ,COMMERCIAL law - Abstract
This Article proposes a genealogy of transitional justice and focuses on transitional justice as one of the key steps in peace building that needs to be taken to secure a stable democratic future. Transitional justice is a response to systematic or widespread violations of human rights. It seeks recognition for victims and promotion of possibilities for peace, reconciliation and democracy. The paper focuses on key concepts of transitional justice before addressing its traditional components: justice, reparation, truth and institutional reform. This Article meeting point on the transitional process in a society which has experienced a violent conflict and needs adequate mechanisms to deal with the legacies of the past in order to prevent future violence and cover the way for reconciliation and democratic consolidation. It provides key stakeholders with an overview of transitional justice and its different components, while examining key challenges faced by those working in this area. The present paper concludes with some remarks that challenge the traditional concept of transitional justice and its processes in order to initiate important debate on where future work in this field is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
32. Peaceful power transfers or successions and democratic consolidation in South Korea
- Author
-
Hahm, Sung Deuk, Jung, Kwangho, and Kim, Dohee
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Community Policing or Zero Tolerance?
- Author
-
Lum, Cynthia
- Subjects
COMMUNITY policing ,AUTHORITARIANISM ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,POLICE ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,CITIZEN participation in criminal justice administration - Abstract
Since the 1970s, approximately 60 countries in the world have experienced major political transition away from authoritarianism towards democracy and more liberal modes of governance. Subsequently, this era has provided opportunities for researchers to observe how major changes in the political environment affect a country's policing practices. This study is the first of a two paper series on the relationship between democratization and police attitudes, preferences and behaviours. This study reports the results of a pilot study of 315 police supervisors from 22 transitioning nations asking about their preferences towards two different styles of crime prevention—community-oriented policing and zero tolerance approaches. The results indicate that the officers from countries more democratically consolidated tend to have stronger relative preferences towards community-oriented policing over zero tolerance styles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Cambio político y consolidación democrática en México. Los límites del modelo de las transiciones a la democracia.
- Author
-
CHAOUCH, MALIK TAHAR and BRIHUEGA, DANIEL CARRASCO
- Subjects
DEMOCRACY ,POLITICAL change ,AUTHORITARIANISM ,POLITICAL parties ,MEXICAN politics & government - Abstract
Copyright of Desafíos is the property of Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2008
35. Globalization and Political Elite Institutional Choices: The Impact on Democratization in Africa and the Middle East.
- Author
-
Bradley, Matthew Todd
- Subjects
POLITICAL elites ,GLOBALIZATION ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,INSTITUTIONAL choice ,POLITICAL development - Abstract
Newly independent nation-states grapple with governance, in the midst of globalization and "democratic waves." The post-colonial political mavericks can manipulate the institutions in the fragile states to the extent that the choices may be antithetical to democratic consolidation. Thus, institutional choices will be one of the factors which will determine democratic maturation. This paper seeks to examine any patterns of institutional choices or generalities by political elites in Africa and the Middle East, coupled with the realities of globalization. Secondly, this paper will illustrate which institutional choices in general are perhaps more feasible for democratic consolidation in fragile states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
36. Civil Society and Local Democracy.
- Author
-
Synhyuk, Kim
- Subjects
- *
CIVIL society , *DEMOCRACY , *POLITICAL science , *REPRESENTATIVE government - Abstract
While politics in Seoul has made great strides in democratization over the past two decades, scholars continue to deplore that local politics and local governance in South Korea remain a far cry from democracy. This paper addresses the intriguing question of "democratic lag" in South Korea. It argues that one of the main sources/causes of slow democratization at the local level lies in the underdevelopment and lack of empowerment of local civil society. The paper first introduces the concept of "democratic lag" to conceptualize asymmetric democratization in South Korea. Next, it describes and assesses various theoretical accounts explaining the absence of local democracy and highlights an underdeveloped civil society as a cause. The paper then submits several "vignettes" of the reality of local politics. After explaining why such underdevelopment of civil society has resulted, the paper concludes with a set of policy prescriptions for empowering local civil society and thereby resolving the problem of "democratic lag" in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
37. Democracy, Peace, and Religion in Nigeria: Can Religion Be Used to Consolidate or Undermine Democracy and Peace?
- Author
-
Jatau, Victoria and Maza, Kangdim Dingji
- Subjects
FREEDOM of religion ,DEMOCRACY ,POLITICAL agenda ,POLITICAL elites ,DEMOCRATIZATION ,PEACE ,HUMAN rights ,POLITICAL participation - Abstract
This study looks at the relationships between religion, democracy, and peace. It is based on this premise that this article examines how religion is used to consolidate democracy and promote peace in societies, using Nigeria as its framework of analysis. Using the qualitative method of analysis where emphasis is placed on primary and secondary documents, which involve articles, reports, and newspaper articles triangulating with key informant interviews (KIIs) and stakeholder analysis, the findings of this article suggest that religion plays a significant role in the consolidation of democracy and peace given its important place in advocating some principles and ideals of democracy, which involve equity, fairness, freedom, pluralism, respect for diversities, and defending minority rights, amongst others. However, challenges associated with the weaponization of religion to pursue selfish political agenda and interests by both religious and political elites in Nigeria has become more of a norm than what is expected between both variables. This has helped in the creation of a hostile and unstable political environment, and in the pervasion of democratic and political institutions and agencies responsible for promoting accountable leadership, good governance, representative governance, political interference, and repressive policies, limiting the rights and freedoms of citizens who continue to impede the enhancement of a strongly consolidated democratic culture and peace in transition democracies such as Nigeria. This article suggests the need for relevant actors to ensure that institutions of the state are strengthened to provide the dividends of democracy. This can be achieved by addressing the challenge of the negative use of religion by the elites to advance unholy political interests and agenda. It is also important to create machinery to address the structural problems that breed poverty; political, economic, and social exclusion; and human rights abuses, limiting political and electoral freedoms. Addressing these challenges also requires relevant stakeholders and actors to understand that the process is multi-pronged, which also requires acknowledging, accommodating, and accepting individual and group diversities and, above all, requires the patience and the political will of these actors to ensure its actualization. Addressing these concerns will significantly strengthen and enhance the consolidation of democracy and peace in fragile and transition societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. The Impacts of Political Corruption on Democratic Consolidation and the Electoral Process in Nigeria
- Author
-
C. Ebegbulem Joseph
- Subjects
Process (engineering) ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Social Sciences ,General Medicine ,political corruption ,democratic consolidation ,godfatherism ,ethnicism ,democracy ,Democracy ,Democratic consolidation ,Economics as a science ,Political economy ,Political science ,Political corruption ,HB71-74 ,media_common - Abstract
Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed an uninterrupted democratic experiment with many challenges. With the installation of multi-party democracy in Nigeria, the era of military authoritarian regimes were over as Nigerians were looking forward to a free society characterized by social justice, economic growth and free, fair and credible electoral process. But today, democracy sits on the horn of a dilemma in Nigeria due to massive political corruption by the leaders. Free and fair election which is one of the features of true democracy has eluded Nigeria since the advent of the country’s nascent democratic dispensation. The behavior of the political leaders has cast doubt on any consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. This paper gives a comprehensive definition of political corruption and democratic consolidation, and highlights the nature of political corruption in Nigeria. The paper also examines the impact of corruption on the consolidation of democracy under the prevailing socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Finally, the paper concludes with the advice that for there to be democratic consolidation, there must be massive investment in the provision of the basic needs of the Nigerian people.
- Published
- 2020
39. An Assessment of the Roles and Challenges of Civil Society Organizations on the Process of Democratic Consolidation of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
- Author
-
Musa Kabir Umar
- Subjects
Civil society ,Democratic consolidation ,Process (engineering) ,Political science ,lcsh:Business ,Public administration ,lcsh:HF5001-6182 ,Civil Society Organizations, Civil Society, Democratic Consolidation, Democracy, Democratization Process, Politics - Abstract
organizations (CSOs) in the democratic consolidation of Nigeria. As the third sector, civil Society is known to be at the forefront in the democratization process for quite a long period of time, but their contributions are continuously being relegated especially by the state who viewed them with negative lenses particularly when they are opposed to their conducts. The paper had therefore tried to examine three civil society organizations namely Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Alliances for Credible Elections (ACE) and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN). Methodology: It achieved this objective by using a qualitative semi-structured face to face interviews supported with secondary sources of data. Nvivo 12 software was used in coding, categorization and general management of data. Results: The study revealed that CSOs in Nigeria have promoted the reliability of election by observing every phase of the country’s electoral process. Indeed, the CSOs have promoted democratic principles of civic participation, political engagement and tolerance among some political parties thereby advancing democratic consolidation in the polity. They have also stimulated policy changes in some crucial socio-economic policies. Again, the study revealed that CSOs faced economic problems which seriously distresses their operations and sustainability especially inability to extend into rural areas. It has also shown donor organization influence on the organizations which encroach their ideological base. Implications: The paper concluded by suggesting that the civil society must devise a means of economic survival as well as further strengthen their capacity through training and retraining to fully understand how governments operate for effective and concrete criticisms that would enhance democratic productivity to the people. Civil society should be allowed to freely ventilate democratically without threats from the state since it inspires governments to be more accountable, transparent, honest and responsive to the public needs, which will make it further win the support of the public hence reinforce its legitimacy.
- Published
- 2019
40. An Appraisal of Electoral Malpractice and Violence as an Albatross in Nigerian’s Democratic Consolidation
- Author
-
Matthew Enya Nwocha, Amaramiro A. Steve, and Igwe Onyebuchi Igwe
- Subjects
Politics ,Democratic consolidation ,Presidential system ,Malpractice ,Local government ,Political science ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Political economy ,Mandate ,General Materials Science ,Legislature ,Democracy ,media_common - Abstract
Election offences manifest in all forms of malpractices such as rigging, thuggery, vote buying, often times culminating in violence. These offences had remained an albatross in the Nigerian electoral journeys from the colonial period through the first republic in 1960 till 1999 when Nigerians started witnessing an untruncated democratic journey in her electoral history. Nigeria’s elections have always been marred by electoral malpractices and violence thereby shortchanging the citizens’ will and mandate expressed during elections. The general aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of electoral violence and malpractices on the outcome of elections in Nigeria while the specific objective is to determine the solutions to this malaise for a better democracy based on popular elections in the country. The paper adopts a theoretical, doctrinal and conceptual method of research and utilizes Nigeria’s electoral laws, court decisions, as well as legislations criminalizing electoral malpractice and violence so as to arrive at a balanced and objective analysis. The paper found, among other things, that the electoral violence, thuggery and other malpractices have not abated since the new democratic culture in 1999 till date as malpractices and violence have been widely reported in all the States of the Federation in virtually all the elections from Local Government Council to Presidential elections. It is worrisome, even as the courts have showed that elections in Nigerians are a very emotional and quarrelsome matter. It is a matter where Nigerians fight to finish. In spite of its enactment into the Nigerian Electoral Laws, malpractices and violence have not abated, but rather increased. The paper therefore recommends the setting up of Constitutional or Electoral Offences Court to try and punish perpetrators of election malpractices and violence. In addition, the legislature should strengthen the provisions relating to malpractices and violence in the Electoral Act in order to punish those who breach the law whether they are agents or principal actors without favoring any political party, religious, ethnic or any other biases.
- Published
- 2019
41. The Significance of Elections in Africa: 2015 elections and democratic consolidation in Nigeria
- Author
-
Abiodun Fatai
- Subjects
Liberalization ,media_common.quotation_subject ,05 social sciences ,0507 social and economic geography ,Opposition (politics) ,050701 cultural studies ,Democracy ,0506 political science ,Democratic consolidation ,Consolidation (business) ,Political science ,Political economy ,050602 political science & public administration ,General Earth and Planetary Sciences ,Polity ,Democratization ,Legitimacy ,General Environmental Science ,media_common - Abstract
While it can be argued that elections are not enough for the consolidation of democracy, elections are fast emerging as a significant component of democratization. Not least, because their regularity has enhanced freedom and liberalization, but also because they have been the cause and/or effect of democratic consolidation. As a key component of democracy, elections have become the barometer and template upon which other liberal democratic principles are institutionalised. The paper examines elections in Africa, using the recently concluded 2015 elections in Nigeria to show the significance and effect of credible elections to democratic consolidation by situating its argument within the context of Staffan Lindberg theoretical postulation. The paper adopts a qualitative analysis drawing data from PhD field work conducted in 2014. It also makes use of available texts from INEC document, elections observers’ reports, data from Freedom House and Polity scores and other documentary evidences to analyze the election. The study argues that, regularities of elections have potential for democratic improvement and that the 2015 elections have restored Nigeria back on the path of democratic consolidation through elite acceptance of electoral outcome, electoral turnover, elite pact and consensus, coordinated opposition and effective electoral management. It further suggests that more democratic reforms are required to ensure strengthening of the electoral process and institutions in the interest of democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Key words: Elections, electoral turnover, democratization, democratic consolidation, Legitimacy.
- Published
- 2018
42. The impact of democracy on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa, 1982-2012
- Author
-
Nicolas van de Walle and Takaaki Masaki
- Subjects
Democratic consolidation ,Politics ,Economic expansion ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Economic sector ,Political science ,Development economics ,Context (language use) ,Democratization ,Emerging markets ,Democracy ,media_common - Abstract
Does democracy promote economic growth? There is still an ongoing debate over the economic implications of democracy, and this question has gained critical importance particularly in the African context, where a wave of democratization in the early 1990s coincided with the start of a new era of rapid economic growth. In this paper, we revisit this important topic and argue that the existing literature is inadequate in distinguishing the effects of regime transitions and democratic consolidation on economic growth. Through the analysis of the latest economic and political data, which include up to 43 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period of 1982- 2012, we find strong evidence that democracy is positively associated with economic growth, and that this 'democratic advantage' is more pronounced for those African countries that have remained democratic for longer periods of time. Our findings call for more nuanced studies that carefully distinguish potentially divergent effects of regime transitions and democratic consolidation on economic growth.
- Published
- 2014
43. Does the African middle class defend democracy? Evidence from Kenya
- Author
-
Nic Cheeseman
- Subjects
Afrobarometer ,Democratic consolidation ,Middle class ,Political science ,Political economy ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Development economics ,Ruling class ,Opposition (politics) ,Democratization ,Social class ,Democracy ,media_common - Abstract
Barrington Mooreâs famous line âno bourgeoisie, no democracyâ is one of the most quoted claims in political science. But has the rise of the African middle class promoted democratic consolidation? This paper uses the case of Kenya to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of the middle class. Analysis of Afrobarometer survey data reveals that the middle class is more likely to support the opposition and hold pro-democratic attitudes. This suggests Mooreâs claim holds, at least for some African countries, and that contemporary demographic changes will improve the prospects for democratic consolidation. However, qualitative evidence from the Kenyan 2013 general election raises important questions about the resilience of these attitudes. The middle class may be more inclined to democratic attitudes than their less well-off counterparts, but class continues to intersect with ethnicity and its political salience is likely to wax and wane as a result.
- Published
- 2014
44. Transitional justice and democratic consolidation in post-communist Eastern Europe: Romania and Albania
- Author
-
Ilir KALEMAJ
- Subjects
transitional justice ,democratic consolidation ,eastern europe ,romania ,albania ,Geography (General) ,G1-922 ,Political science - Abstract
While there are many studies on the democratization trajectory of former communist countries of Eastern Europe, only a few of them have a particular focus on how transitional justice helps democratic consolidation. The present comparative study seeks to fill that gap by focusing specifically on the cases of Romania and Albania, situating them in the wider kaleidoscope of former Eastern Europe. Some of these countries have had a fast implementation of transitional justice measures and successful democratization. Yet, despite adopting an early mechanism of transitional justice, others did not necessarily have any particular success in their democratic endeavour. On the other hand, additional states have had democratic consolidation despite not undertaking such rapid measures (for example Estonia), while others have failed either to adopt the transitional justice mechanisms or democratizing at all (i.e., Belarus). The present paper offers a theoretical framework that seeks to capture and explain such dynamics and by referring specifically to the telling cases of Romania and Albania, to explain what role and impact transitional justice measures have in democratic transitions.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. The Relation Among Regional Organisations, the Consolidation of Democracy and Citizen Security: The Cases of SICA and UNASUR
- Author
-
Octávio Forti Neto
- Subjects
cooperation in citizen security ,regionalism ,democratic consolidation ,SICA ,UNASUR ,International relations ,JZ2-6530 - Abstract
Abstract Latin American regional organisations (ROs) have been active in the area of citizen security for at least a twenty year-period. An important relationship between citizen security and the democratic consolidation of ROs’ official documents in the Latin American region has been unexplored. This leads us to the main question of this paper: ‘What has been the role of ROs with a formalized level of citizen security cooperation in the democratic consolidation?’ To answer this question, this research was based on two case studies: The Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) between 2008 and 2018, the period during which both organizations acted in the area of citizen security. The methodology used in this research was process tracing and comparative process tracing. Its results indicate that organisations developed a vision of how cooperative actions in citizen security can promote the consolidation of democracy by strengthening the rule of law. However, actors are sceptical of the ability of ROs to succeed, given the lack of political interest and the deficit of resources, that are major barriers for them to achieve great success in the citizen security field and, consequently, in the consolidation of democracy. The conclusion is that the analysed ROs produce a lot in terms of documents, but do little in achieving their ambitions, hence constituting, in and of themselves, a reflection of the flaws of the Latin American regionalism.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Las tareas contemporáneas de las fuerzas armadas latinoamericanas y la necesaria revisión de la teoría de la consolidación democrática.
- Author
-
Dubé, Sébastien and García Pinzón, Viviana
- Subjects
DEMOCRATIZATION ,COUPS d'etat ,DEMOCRACY ,POWER (Social sciences) ,CIVIL-military relations ,HISTORY ,ARMED Forces - Abstract
Copyright of Estudos Ibero-Americanos is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2012
47. The Dasukigate and peace building: hangover of military professionalism or corruption incarnate
- Author
-
Salihu Mohammed Niworu
- Subjects
Insurgency ,Civil society ,Corruption ,media_common.quotation_subject ,General Medicine ,Liberal democracy ,Public administration ,Electoral fraud ,Democracy ,Democratic consolidation ,Politics ,Sociology ,Corruption, Electoral Fraud, Insurgency, Poverty ,media_common - Abstract
Election is an important component of democracy because it avails the citizenry the opportunity to choose the best among candidates that presented themselves for election. For the electioneering process to be free and fair, liberal democracy gives room for the circulation of elites from all fields of endeavor to politics. This is what informed the dominance of serving and retired military officers in Nigerian government and politics. These are men trained to manage violence and restore peace. They achieve this peace because military organizations and military regimes possess certain characteristics that differentiate them from the civil society. Such notable characteristics are professionalism, hierarchy of command, discipline, solidarity and cohesion (esprit de corps). These are the attributes that retired military men are expected to exhibit in their new status and responsibilities in the civil society by fair distribution of the wealth of the nation in order to meet the yeaning and aspirations of Nigerians. It is against this backdrop, that this paper analyzed the Dasuki gate and its effect on peace building and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The paper concluded that Dasuki’s military professional training and discipline has been jettisoned for corrupt primitive accumulation which consequently breach the peace of the nation by escalating Boko Haram insurgency. The paper recommended that the money recovered from Dasukigate be used prudently in providing succor for the less privileged Nigerians.Keywords: Corruption, Electoral Fraud, Insurgency, Poverty
- Published
- 2017
48. The Old Rules No Longer Apply: Explaining Narco-Assassinations of Mexican Politicians
- Author
-
Laura Ross Blume
- Subjects
Politik ,Korruption ,Sociology and Political Science ,Politikwissenschaft ,corruption ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,02 engineering and technology ,Sociology & anthropology ,Criminal Sociology, Sociology of Law ,Competition (economics) ,violence ,Politics ,politician ,Mexiko ,Political science ,050602 political science & public administration ,Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture ,Mexico ,Gewalt ,organisierte Kriminalität ,politische Willensbildung, politische Soziologie, politische Kultur ,021110 strategic, defence & security studies ,organized crime ,Attentat ,Demokratisierung ,Politiker ,05 social sciences ,Authoritarianism ,democratization ,attempted assassination ,0506 political science ,Lateinamerika ,Democratic consolidation ,Latin America ,Soziologie, Anthropologie ,Political economy ,Law ,ddc:320 ,Kriminalsoziologie, Rechtssoziologie, Kriminologie ,Political Science and International Relations ,ddc:301 ,politics - Abstract
Between 2005 and 2015, organized criminal groups murdered 209 politicians in Mexico. This paper explains why. It argues that the two interwoven trends of political and criminal pluralization in Mexico fostered the conditions for a new type of criminal violence against politicians. Mexican politicians are now targeted for accepting illicit money as well as for standing up to criminals. Moreover, this violence is evidence of an alarming and persistent pattern in Mexico of politicians enlisting criminal organizations to eliminate their political competition. Using a zero-inflated negative binomial model, this paper shows there is a strong statistical relationship between the increase in assassinations and the increases in political pluralization and criminal fragmentation. The article concludes that the failure to protect local public officials creates greater opportunities for the emergence of subnational authoritarian enclaves and threatens democratic consolidation., Entre el 2005 y 2015, el crimen organizado asesinó a 209 políticos Mexicanos. Este artículo argumenta que el entrelace entre las tendencias de pluralización política y criminal crearon las condiciones para la emergencia de un nuevo tipo de violencia política en México. Actualmente, los políticos mexicanos corren riesgo tanto por aceptar dinero ilícito, como por afrontar el crimen organizado. Esto refleja un patrón alarmante y persistente en México donde los políticos corruptos usan el crimen organizado para ejecutar sus actividades ilícitas y para eliminar su competencia política. Utilizando un modelo binomial cero-inflado negativo, se muestra la correlación entre el aumento del numero de asesinatos y la magnitud de pluralización política y fragmentación criminal. En conclusión, carencias en la protección de funcionarios públicos locales han generado oportunidades para el surgimiento de enclaves autoritarios subnacionales, que últimamente debilitan la consolidación democrática.
- Published
- 2017
49. Political conditions for fair elections
- Author
-
Kawanaka, Takeshi
- Subjects
民主主義 ,Governance ,Election ,JEL ,Institution ,統治 ,民主主義の定着 ,ComputingMilieux_LEGALASPECTSOFCOMPUTING ,Democratic consolidation ,Democracy ,GeneralLiterature_MISCELLANEOUS ,制度 ,314.8 ,選挙 - Abstract
Democracy is not necessarily consolidated simply by the introduction of formal democratic institutions. It is often observed in new democracies that democratic institutions are neglected and eroded in actual practice. Particularly, electoral fraud committed by a ruler is one of the main problems in this regard. This paper deals with two questions, (1) under what conditions does a ruler have an incentive to hold fair elections (or to rig elections), and (2) what makes a ruler prefer to establish an independent election governing institution? Assuming that a ruler prefers to maintain her power, basically she has an incentive to rig elections in order to be victorious in the political competition. A ruler, however, faces the risk of losing power if the opposition stages successful protests on a sufficiently large scale. If opponents are able to pose a credible threat to a ruler, she will have an incentive to hold fair elections. The problem is that information on electoral fraud is not shared by every player in the game. For the opposition, imperfect information deepens their coordination problems. Imperfect information, on the other hand, in some cases causes a problem for a ruler. If the opposition is sufficiently cohesive and have little tolerance of cheating, even unverified suspicions of fraud may trigger menacing protests. In such a case, a ruler has an incentive to establish an independent election commission to avoid unnecessary collisions by revealing the nature of the elections.
- Published
- 2008
50. Party System Fragmentation and Institutionalization: Japan’s Party System in the 2010s
- Author
-
Yuji Kanamaru
- Subjects
Politics ,Democratic consolidation ,System change ,Institutionalisation ,Dominance (economics) ,Political economy ,Political science ,Opposition (politics) ,Fragmentation (computing) ,Administration (government) - Abstract
The paper analyzes the party system change at the level ofJapan’s national politics. The party system after the 1990s can be classified into three periods according to some indicators to measure party system change. The present party system in the 2010s is characterized by the LDP dominance and fragmentation and fluidity of opposition parties. It is called "Abe ikkyō politics (安倍一強政治)” which means the LDP dominance under Abe administration. At the final section of the paper the problem of party system fragmentation and ruling party dominance is argued referring to the theory of party system institutionalization and democratic consolidation.
- Published
- 2021
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