POL208Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Democratic Consolidation, George W. Bush, Gunboat Diplomacy
Document Summary
Last week we focused on second image theorieis (how the state impacts the international system things like dpt). One of oldest 2nd image reversed theories. External pressures of war shape domestic institutions. Harsh external environment leads to centralization (ie: prussia) Peaceful external environment leads to more democracy (ie: britain few wars on its territory) Another modern example democratization in us (only 2 neighbours, ocean separates from most) vs russia (long borders; many invasions including mongols, germany, poland; more centralization) Not a cultural theory, but rather a response to environment (or at the very least this environment would shape culture). Democratization tends to occur in waves if we look at governance trends over time. 3 major waves (post wwi, post wwii, post cold war) Many theories of democracy focus on internal factors of states (especially in fields like comparative politics) but there are limitations here. Shocks in global balance of power (hegemonic shocks/hegemonic transitions) provide opportunity for regime change.