A global examination that includes nations in Latin America, Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, this book investigates the implications of the various paths that nations take to democracy and the political and economic programmes needed to stabilise new democracies. From military to authoritarian to communist oligarchies, the essays reveal that democratic transitions were instigated by division within the ruling elite, and poor economic performance followed in its wake. An extensive look at what the United States can do through its foreign policy to promote and invest in democratisation is included.

Author Biography

James Hollifield is Arnold Professor of International Political Economy and Director of international Studies at Southern Methodist University. Calvin Jillson is Chair of the Political Science department at Southern Methodist University, where he is also Director of the John Tower Center for Political Science.