Publisher's Synopsis
Transitions to Democracy is divided into five parts: liberal democracy ? conceptual issues for regime change; theoretical and comparative interpretations of transition and authoritarian collapse; national case-studies in the three areas of Southern Europe, Latin America and Eastern Europe; the international context of transition; and, looking towards democratic consolidation. Throughout the emphasis is on comparative essays which may have a lasting relevance to further processes of democratisation rather than detailed empirical national case-studies which may be easily outdated where not historical. While the essential focus is on European experience, some comparative essays on Latin America are included to strengthen the basis for inter-regional comparisons of of the democratic transitions ? which has been a priority in recent research on this theme undertaken by Bristol University?s Centre for Mediterranean Studies. This is important in helping us to understand the dynamics of the different waves of democracy that have occurred in past decades. Transitions to Democracy confronts, therefore, a problem of great contemporary relevance; and it is one that interests both the academic specialist but also the general reader. This volume offers a stimulating guide to the work of the principle comparative experts on this subject.
