The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World
by Larry Diamond
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Book Summary Information
Author: Larry DiamondEdition: Hardcover
Published: 2008-01-08
ISBN: 080507869X
Number of pages: 464
Publisher: Times Books
Book Reviews of The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World
Book Review: Interesting and Educational!
Summary: 5 Stars
Freedom House, which tracks democratic trends and elections around the globe, noted that 2007 was by far the worst year for freedom in the world since the end of the cold war. Almost four times as many states -- 38 -- declined in their freedom scores as improved -- 10.
Why is this? A big part can be explained by the recent rapid rise in oil prices. Oil wealth reduces a nation's need to obtain citizen support for its operations. At the same time, U.S. actions in Iraq, Guantanamo, within our own borders, and supporting oil-rich and/or anti-terrorism ally autocrats have tainted our efforts to promote democracy. Meanwhile, Russia, Venezuela, and others have denounced the activities of American groups within their borders as illegitimate political meddling.
"The Spirit of Democracy" points out that more than multi-party elections are required for democracy. Balanced access to media, impartial administration and dispute resolution, and independent observation are also essential. Sharing power and rule of law are essential.
Finally, Diamond sees the Internet and cell phones as strong forces that help undermine media control by autocrats, and help citizens build the foundation for democracy. He even makes the hopeful prediction that "countries like Iran and China, which now seem so immune to the global democratic trend, stand a very good chance of becoming democratic in the next two to three decades."
Summary of The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World
One of America’s preeminent experts on democracy charts the future prospects for freedom around the world in the aftermath of Iraq and deepening authoritarianism
Over three decades, the world was transformed. In 1974, nearly three-quarters of all countries were dictatorships; today, more than half are democracies. Yet recent efforts to promote democracy have stumbled, and many democratic governments are faltering.
In this bold and sweeping vision for advancing freedom around the world, social scientist Larry Diamond examines how and why democracy progresses. He demonstrates that the desire for democracy runs deep, even in very poor countries, and that seemingly entrenched regimes like Iran and China could become democracies within a generation. He also dissects the causes of the “democratic recession” in critical states, including the crime-infested oligarchy in Russia and the strong-armed populism of Venezuela.
Diamond cautions that arrogance and inconsistency have undermined America’s aspirations to promote democracy. To spur a renewed democratic boom, he urges vigorous support of good governance—the rule of law, security, protection of individual rights, and shared economic prosperity—and free civic organizations. Only then will the spirit of democracy be secured.
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