POL112H5 Lecture 2: Why Does Democracy Arise Why Does it Decline
19 Apr 2016
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Tuesday, january 26, 2016. Developing societies lack the institutional capacity to accommodate new democratic demands. Urbanization can create instability in the absence of strong institutions. Strong state capacity required for democracy. According to fukuyama, modern democracies should combine three institutions: The rule of law, the state and democratic accountability. The rule of law is a set of neutral, and binding rules and regulations. A strong state can enforce the rule of law, through punishment or the threat of coercion. The rule of law also serves to constrain state power. Democratic accountability serves to ensure that government policies serve the public good. Patrimonial vs liberal democracies. In patrimonial societies resources are distributed among specific networks that support the political leaders. In democratic societies, resource distribution is largely impersonal. However, economic growth can also buttress dictatorships. In the absence of economic development, incentives for corruption and bribery are present. As economic growth takes place, the conditions for democracy emerge.
