PSC 1001 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Resource Curse, Modernization Theory, Iceberg
Document Summary
Economic change transformation from poor to rich can cause dictatorship to become a democracy. Industrial revolution transformed rural countries to urban (occurred in non-democratic regimes so scholars believe it might have caused democracy) 2 ways economic change leads to political change: 1st approach: interests (way economic development can bring about rise of new social classes who have a strong desire to fight for access to political power) 2nd approach: identities (way economic modernization changes people"s values so they grow more supportive of democracy. Class conflict causes regime change democratization more likely when widespread economic developments reduce influence of elite classes and increases influence of middle and working classes. 1st wave: democracy more likely in countries with diverse economies. Us, soviet union, catholic church, eu globalization: spread of political, economic, and cultural dynamics among governments, groups, and individuals beyond the borders of any one country. 3rd wave: american support for democracy= non democratic rulers lost important ally.
