.png){kind=icon}
Chapter 6
- China remains an authoritarian state, but some argue that it will eventually democratize. Consider several categories of theories about democratization: modernization, cultural, structural, institutional, and actor-centered. What might each say about the case of China? Which of these theories do you think generates the most plausible prediction? Why?
- This chapter pointed to two kinds of distinctions about democracy: minimal versus substantive definitions, and representative versus direct democracy. But is there any relationship between these typologies? Does the notion of “minimal” or “procedural” democracy pair with “representative” democracy in any way? “Substantive” with “direct” democracy? In this essay, clarify the nature of any relationship between these typologies.
- Some argue that there are many democracies and that different political systems are appropriate to different countries with different political and cultural traditions. First, evaluate this claim, critiquing or supporting it. Second, consider it in relation to several of the theories discussed in this chapter. Could the notion of different types of democracies be reconciled with those theories? Are they capable of explaining different democratic outcomes in different cases? If so, how?
- The United States has aimed to install democratic regimes abroad in many countries. Does democracy promotion work? Under what conditions? Consider the implications of the major theories of democratization in this chapter for the likely success of such programs.