POLS 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Big Bang, Electoral Integrity, Autocracy
6 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Moller and skaaning: the third wave: inside the numbers . Remarkable rise in the number of democracies beginning in the mid-70s and during the decade after the 1989-91 breakdown of communist regimes. Last 7 years were notable for democratic setbacks rather than gain. Debate one is about the probability of a reverse wave. Global financial crises that began in 2008, the wars in iraq and afghanistan, the economic success of authoritarian china, and a general dissatisfaction with regime performance in new democracies are factors thought to affect the reversal. Debate two concerns the spread of a gray zone between democracy and autocracy. Minimalist democracy requires only that political competition for leadership take place via regular elections with uncertain outcomes. Electoral democracy foes beyond this by demanding higher levels of electoral integrity. Polyarchy adds to this respect for the freedoms of speech and association. Liberal democracy adds the rule of law, understood as equality before and under the law.
