1. What is Democracy

Question 1

What is democracy?

Answer 1

Democracy means different things to different people.
Most often
* Rule of law/liberalism
* Rule by the people/ democracy
There are however, much more possible dimensions

Rule of law –> equality, popular sovereignty, freedom, rights and liberty
Rule by the people –> political process, elections

Question 2

First wave of democracy

Answer 2

1820-1918
Old democracies, mainly Western Europe + USA
* Took long time to develop + only very few countries
* Very gradual.
* From unlimited power for the king to a constitutional monarchy to the first parliaments to eventually state institutions.
Defining borders + uniting state –> development of nation state.
* Before WWII, some eastern European countries were experimenting with democracy

–> this is why there is the idea that it is unfair to expect African countries to immediately develop a democracy within 20 years.
Last step towards democratization = universal suffrage (stemrecht).
(But only 5% could vote)
New inventions sprang from colonies, due to their need for freedom.

Question 3

First reverse wave of democracy

Answer 3

Interbellum (1918-1940)
Due to the rise of fascism + communism.
Resulting in WWI, and WWII
Eco recession → Democratic system is blamed
Hungary, Bulgaria, Portugal, Germany and Italy become dictatorships.

Question 4

Second wave of democratisation

Answer 4

After the end of WWII 1945 till 1960
* Countries that were fascist become democratic again (Japan, Germany etc.)
Democratization is increasing rapidly.
* Not stable –> countries quickly became autocratic again.
* Decolonisation resulted in a lot of countries to become independent and experimenting with democracy
So: relationships changed –> not more countries democratic, but former colonies also democratic.
* Decolonisation happened due to a lot of colonies helped during the war. Which triggered a lot of independent movements

India became democracy in short period of time

Question 5

Second reverse wave of democracy

Answer 5

1960-1974 due to Cold War
The USA and SU supported dictators in order for support back.
–> so neutral countries forced to decide a side.
This hindered the democratisation processes.

Question 6

Third wave of democratisation

Answer 6

Starts before the end of the Cold War 1974-1989
* Due to democratisation of southern European states.
* Started in the 70s with the dictator of Portugal Salazar kicked out due to disagreement in the army about Angola
* Spain also democratised, after the dead of Franco. This influenced democratisation processes in Latin America.
*After the Cold War, there was more democratisation due to the victory of the West.

–> shows influence of colonies on democratisation
–> World balance shifted, democracy seen as solution.
–> more gradual liberalisation; leading towards a transition to hold elections

Question 7

4e Golf/ Present? 1989-now?

Answer 7

End Cold War (1991) - no reason to promote dictators
Fall Berlim Wall
Democratization on global level. (Fukuyama ‘‘democratie heeft gewonnen’’)
West thinks that African and Asian countries need to become democratic
First Elections, then liberalisation. (democracy through elections)
Longer and less clear transitions

Growing critical view on the ‘‘old democracy’’ –> more focus on democratic stability and deepening

Question 8

Problem with the concept of Democratisation waves

Answer 8

We generalise.
There is always movement in both ways. There is currently democratic backsliding in some countries, but there are also democratic successes.

Question 9

Normative arguments for democracy

Answer 9

1. Ideally, it is a fair system –> everyone has a say
2. The government represents what the people want
3. There is equality

Question 10

Normative arguments for autocracy

Answer 10

1. It is more efficient in crisis, the response is quicker.
   You do not have to deliberate with your entire group of ministers.
2. Enlighted despote: they can ignore the stupidity of people.
   –> defend them against their own bad choices

Question 11

Empirical arguments for democracy

strong evidence for

Answer 11

Quite strong evidence that democracy leads to:
1. Better human rights
2. less corruption
3. Human development/ health
4. Quality of government
5. Trade
6. Technological change
7. FDI (Foreign Direct investments)

Pretty strong evidence for:
Positive impact on social & economic policy outcomes too:
* Education
* Environment
* Growth etc.

Question 12

Empirical arguments for democracy
No effects found

Answer 12

No effects found on:
1. Inequality
2. Inflation
3. Public spending

(highlighted as important in lecture)

Question 13

Empirical arguments for autocracy

Answer 13

1. You can play for the long term.
   You do not have to worry about votes, or elections.
2. Stable autocracies have high quality public services.
   –> due the fact that they keep their people happy, preventing them from rising up against them.
   (examples are Singapore and Rwanda)

Question 14

Closed autocracies

Answer 14

North- Korea, Cuba, China
No elections, only local ones

Question 15

Electoral regimes

Answer 15

the ‘‘self-respecting’’ dictators do have elections

Question 16

Electoral autoritarian regimes

Answer 16

Russia
Election fraud. Opposition impossible.
But stable