Democratization

Description

Overview: This course examines the worldwide movement away from authoritarian rule and toward democratic government that took place in the last 25 years of the 20th century, and the problem of democratic backsliding that confronts us in the first quarter of the 21st century. We focus on the following questions: What is democracy and how best can we measure it? By what sequence and process have countries become democracies? How can countries maintain democracy? What are the consequences of democracy? And what is the most likely future of democracy across the globe? Students who take this course will discover a political process that connects with the content of other Honours level classes on globalization and international relations, comparative politics, political parties, and political behaviour. This course should be of specific interest to students who wish to pursue careers in academia as well as national donor agencies and international organizations specializing in development and trade, development consultancies, or national and international civil society organizations.