GEOG 130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Critical Role
24 Apr 2019
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Document Summary
New democracies are too fragile to confront ex-dictators. Many ex-dctators play a critical role in transitions to democracy and are able to negotiate their exemption from prosecution when they leave. Ex-dictators usually continue to have strong support from the military, which is often the country"s strongest and most legitimate institution. The new civilian government attempt to consolidate their power and put the past behind them by stressing the need for national reconciliation and forgiveness. Some former leaders escape punishment because of their ability to convince ew leaders that their brutality was justified for political circumstances or as part of economic development. Some ex-dictators simply die before they can be tried for their crimes. Enter politics to continue the work of their husbands or fathers. Enter politics after husbands or fathers have been assassinated while in political offices or when they challenged the ruling elite.
