In this paper I will compare and contrast the theoretical foundations of theories of democratization which emphasize structural determinants and theories which focus on agency, and assess their potential for explaining democratization during the third wave. To do this I will first present some background theory, before I go into a discussion and reach a conclusion. The paper is based up on literature from course syllabus for SAMPOL115 "Democracy and democratization".
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theory
- The structural view
- Agency theory
- The strategic view / transition theory (Teorell 2010:19-21)
- Social forces tradition
- Economic approach
- Third wave of democratization
- Discussion
- Compare and contrast the theoretical foundations of these perspectives
- Assess their potential for explaining democratization during the third wave
- Structural approach
- Agency approaches
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to compare and contrast theoretical foundations of democratization theories that emphasize structural determinants with those focusing on agency, and assess their potential for explaining democratization during the third wave. The paper will first present background theory before moving on to a discussion and conclusion.
- The "agency-structure" problem in understanding democratization.
- The role of structural factors such as economic development and modernization in democratization.
- The impact of agency and strategic decision-making by political elites and social forces on democratization.
- Different approaches within agency theory, including the strategic view, social forces tradition, and economic approach.
- The relevance of these theories in explaining the third wave of democratization.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the paper's objective and scope, outlining the comparison of structural and agency-based theories of democratization, particularly in relation to the third wave. It also provides background information on the paper's theoretical framework.
- Theory: This chapter explores the theoretical foundations of democratization, focusing on the structural and agency perspectives. It examines the structural view, emphasizing the role of modernization and economic development in fostering democracy. The chapter then delves into agency theory, outlining its three primary approaches: the strategic view, the social forces tradition, and the economic approach.
- The structural view: This section discusses the modernization theory of democratization, highlighting the work of Seymour Martin Lipset and its emphasis on the correlation between economic development and democracy. It explores the concept of modernization and its implications for democratization, particularly regarding the role of institutions and procedures.
- Agency theory: This section delves into the different approaches within agency theory, focusing on how individuals and groups influence democratization. It examines the strategic view, which emphasizes elite-driven transitions and bargaining dynamics. It also explores the social forces tradition, which highlights the role of social classes, particularly the middle class, in promoting democracy. The chapter then examines the economic approach, which uses economic tools to understand regime transitions and democratic stability.
- The strategic view / transition theory (Teorell 2010:19-21): This section explores the strategic view of democratization, focusing on the transition model proposed by Dankwart Rustow and further developed by O'Donnell and Philippe C. Schmitter. It examines the phases of democratization, the role of elite bargaining, and the importance of strategic decision-making in initiating and sustaining democratic transitions.
- Social forces tradition: This section examines the social forces tradition, which emphasizes the role of social classes in shaping democratization. It discusses the work of Barrington Moore, who highlights the importance of the middle class in supporting democracy. The section also explores the alternative perspective of Rueschemeyer, Huber, and Stephens, who argue that the working class plays a more significant role in promoting democracy.
- Economic approach: This section focuses on the economic approach to democratization, which uses economic tools to understand regime transitions and democratic stability. It explores the work of Stephen Haggard, Robert Kaufman, and Boix, who analyze the preferences of actors based on their material interests and the role of redistribution policies in shaping democratic outcomes.
- Third wave of democratization: This section examines the third wave of democratization, as defined by Samuel P. Huntington, which constitutes the most recent wave of democratic transitions. It discusses Huntington's definition of a wave of democratization and explores the characteristics of this wave, including its global reach and the factors that contributed to its emergence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the text are democratization, structural determinants, agency theory, modernization, economic development, strategic view, social forces tradition, economic approach, third wave of democratization, and elite bargaining. The paper explores these concepts to understand the dynamics of democratic transitions and their implications for the stability and sustainability of democratic regimes.
- Quote paper
- Aleksander Bjelland Koldingsnes (Author), 2014, Democratization Theories and the Third Wave of Democracy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/300720
