Divided into two parts, this highly informative work first contributes to the debate on democracy's preconditions, then explores the historical development of state structures. Its primary conclusion is that democracy is not the product of social and economic forces, yet, to a greater extent, it is the consequence of prevailing institutional conditions, i.e. the nature of the state. In the second section, Hadenius maintains that the differing modes of state have displayed a variable capacity for governance and economic development. Thus, the evolution of state structures has consequences...

Divided into two parts, this highly informative work first contributes to the debate on democracy's preconditions, then explores the historical development of state structures. Its primary conclusion is that democracy is not the product of social and economic forces, yet, to a greater extent, it is the consequence of prevailing institutional conditions, i.e. the nature of the state. In the second section, Hadenius maintains that the differing modes of state have displayed a variable capacity for governance and economic development. Thus, the evolution of state structures has consequences...

This book is a uniquely wide-ranging study of the meaning of democracy and the factors which determine its level. Drawing on data from all 132 sovereign states of the Third World, it first specifies the essential elements of democracy (the holding of elections to decision making bodies, and the maintenance of political liberties), and then tests theories suggested to explain its varying level through statistical analysis. Theories related to socio-economic conditions, demographic and cultural factors, and institutional arrangements are explored in a cross-national perspective.

The contributors to this volume address questions central to the development and survival of democratic rule. Brought together under the auspices of a Nobel Symposium on democracy, leading experts in the field examine historical experiences, social and cultural problems, economic development, constitutional issues, the impact of globalization, and the prospects for promoting democratic government. The coverage of the book is global, and the approach is multidisciplinary, providing a unique perpective from leading historians, political scientists, economists and sociologists.

This book is a uniquely wide-ranging study of the meaning of democracy and the factors which determine its level. Drawing on data from all 132 sovereign states of the Third World, it first specifies the essential elements of democracy (the holding of elections to decision making bodies, and the maintenance of political liberties), and then tests theories suggested to explain its varying level through statistical analysis. Theories related to socio-economic conditions, demographic and cultural factors, and institutional arrangements are explored in a cross-national perspective.

American Exceptionalism Revisited provides a broad overview of the various features that signify American politics. These include the upholding of an exceptional political stability, involving a particular balance between legislative, executive and judicial powers, and the permanence of a unique party system. Furthermore, special traits in the electoral realm?e.g., voter turnout, the inflow of money, and the application of primaries?are targets of analysis. Through comparisons with conditions applying abroad, particularly in Europe and Latin America, Axel Hadenius reveals a number of new...