GOVT144D CM - Democracy in Developing Countries

This seminar explores the various underlying factors associated with the emergence of democratic political institutions in developing countries as well as analyzes representative cases of transition to democracy in the last century. Students are encouraged to critically examine theories of democratization and question their relevance to the actual historical cases. The seminar intends to generate lively discussions among students and between the students and the instructor on the most important questions about how democratic institutions emerge, evolve, and consolidate themselves in countries that do not necessarily have the most hospitable conditions for such institutions. The reading assignments and classroom discussions should enable students to have a comprehensive, albeit basic, understanding of the theoretical literature on democracy in general, on the relationship between democratic institutions and government performance, on variations of democratic institutions, on the causes of the breakdown of democracy, and on democratic assistance from external actors.

Prerequisite: GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT144D CM