This chapter discusses democratic change and persistence. It outlines the three waves of democratization from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. It also discusses the limits of democratization and the different phases of democratic consolidation from an initial phase focused on liberty to later phases emphasizing equality. The chapter examines theories of embedded, partial and defective democracies and theories of democratic change including modernization theory, cultural theories and institutional theories.

1. Commitment to Excellence
Pannasastra University of
Cambodia
CH3: Democratic Change and
Persistence
12/8/161

2. Outline
I. Introduction
II. Transitions towards democracy
III.The limits of democratization
IV.Embedded, partial and defective democracies
V. Theories of democratic change and persistence
VI.Conclusion
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3. Introduction
•Democratization
•3 waves
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The rise of
nation states
(mid-19th Century
to 1920).
The Result of
decolonization
(1960s).
The spread of
Democracy
(1975-the end of
20th Century).

4. Transitions Towards Democracy
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Authoritarian Rule Democracy

5. The Limits of Democratization
Phases in Democratic Consolidation
•Initial phase: Opposition towards the ruling elite and undemocratic
arrangements are mobilized; demands for more liberty are broadly
accepted and generally seen as the main goal of political reform.
•Emerging phase: The old undemocratic arrangements no longer function
and new ones are set up; liberty is still the main common concern; a new
constitution is declared and general elections are introduced for the first
time; return to the old system is no longer easily feasible.
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6. •Advance phase: Liberty is now taken for granted and attention shifts
towards the achievements of the new democracy; providing liberty is no
longer sufficient; group interests have to be satisfied; economic and public
service performance become important; there is increasing stress on
equality of right and opportunities.
•Phase of consolidation: The new arrangements are institutionalized and
the system is able to meet the demands and the expectations of large parts
of the population. A balance between liberty and equality is reached and
broadly accepted.
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7. Embedded, Partial and Defective
Democracies
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8. Theories of Democratic Change and
Persistence
Democratic transformation and consolidation are
complexed.
•Modernization Theory
•Cultural Theories
•Institutional Theories
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9. Conclusion
This chapter talk about the transition and consolidation of democracy.
This chapter show that :
•To understand democracy, it requires a careful consideration of the
circumstance in which it takes root or fails in different country.
•Some theories regarded democracy sharp a distinction between
consolidated, established or embedded democracy at different stage
of development and defective , limited or partial democracies.
•Some theories of democratization stress on the importance of
political culture and of citizens 'attitude behavior, others stress on the
important of institutions and structures that encourage certain ways
of thinking and behaving. 9

10. References
 Theories of Democracy Power Point Slide by SUMERA BABI
 Foundation of Comparative Politics. (2010). KENNETH NEWTON
and JAN W.VAN DETH, P 53-67
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