Liberal Movements and Democracy's Durability: Comparing Global Outbreaks of Democracy -- 1918, 1945, 1989

In: Studies in comparative international development, Band 34, Heft 1, S. 83-120

Abstract

This article tracks the development & spread of democracy, particularly in the periods of "three waves" mentioned by Huntington, which occurred after the first & second world wars & the third in 1974. The article comments on theories regarding the reversal of the growth of democracy experienced after the third wave in 1974. The author contends that democracy did not experience significant growth until the Soviet Bloc countries developed in 1989. The author takes the "constructivist" approach in analyzing the development of democracy in its current movement. The author concludes on a positive note that the current environment is conducive to the development of democracy & may promote democratic growth, not decline. 4 Tables, 105 References. E. Miller