Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy

The book "Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy" by Mohammad Ali Kadivar argues that prolonged grassroots mobilization is essential for durable democratization. He analyzes over one hundred democratic transitions in eighty countries between 1950 and 2010 and finds that more robust democracies emerge from longer periods of unarmed mobilization. Kadivar also investigates five case studies to explore the underlying mechanisms, highlighting the importance of organization building during the years of struggle in developing the leadership needed for lasting democratization and strengthening civil society after dictatorship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

When the Arab Spring swept through the Middle East, the world seemed poised for a wave of democratization. However, the failure of many of these uprisings has highlighted the numerous obstacles that lie on the path to democracy. In his groundbreaking book, Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy, Mohammad Ali Kadivar delves into the factors that determine the success or failure of democratization. Through a comprehensive analysis of over one hundred democratic transitions in eighty countries between 1950 and 2010, Kadivar sheds valuable light on how prodemocracy mobilization impacts the trajectory of new democracies.

Kadivar's research reveals that the most durable new democracies arise from prolonged episodes of unarmed mobilization. He analyzes these transitions in depth, examining the role of organization building during the years of struggle in developing the leadership necessary for lasting democratization and strengthening civil society after dictatorship.

In addition to his empirical analysis, Kadivar also presents five case studies—South Africa, Poland, Pakistan, Egypt, and Tunisia—to further investigate the underlying mechanisms of democratization. Through these case studies, he identifies the factors that contribute to the success or failure of popular movements, including the role of social movements, political parties, and civil society organizations.

One of the key insights of Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy is its challenge to the prevailing wisdom in American foreign policy that democratization can be achieved through military or coercive interventions. Kadivar argues that lasting change arises from sustained, nonviolent grassroots mobilization. He emphasizes the importance of building popular support for democratic reforms and fostering a culture of democracy that can withstand the pressures of authoritarianism and resistance.

Kadivar's book is a valuable contribution to the study of democratization and offers valuable insights for policymakers and activists working towards building durable democracies in the world. It challenges the notion that democracy can be imposed from the outside and emphasizes the importance of empowering local actors and building sustainable institutions. By highlighting the role of popular politics in the path to durable democracy, Kadivar provides a roadmap for building more inclusive and democratic societies.

In conclusion, Popular Politics and the Path to Durable Democracy is a groundbreaking account of how prolonged grassroots mobilization lays the foundations for durable democratization. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical data and case studies, Kadivar sheds vital new light on the factors that determine the success or failure of democratic transitions. By challenging the prevailing wisdom in American foreign policy and emphasizing the importance of nonviolent grassroots mobilization, Kadivar provides a roadmap for building more inclusive and democratic societies. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of democratization and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691229133