Despite the recent rise in authoritarianism, the world is more democratic today than it was before the 1970s. Discuss the explanations for this broad expansion of democracy around the world.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
1. Despite the rise in authoritarianism, today's world is quite democratic. One reason for it has to do with economic development, which can facilitate democratization. Whatever the reason for it, the empirical data seem to support the claim that there is at least a correlation between economic development and democracy.
2. Second, external actors have been an important force in the shift toward democracy. Global actors, such as the World Bank, the EU, and the United Nations, among others, have insisted that countries introduce democratic reforms as a condition for economic assistance. And external actors sometimes intervene directly in activities in another country with the stated purpose of promoting democracy.
3. Third, the breakdown of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes at the end of the twentieth century provided a window of opportunity for democratization.
4. Fourth, changing norms favoring democracy is often a factor. As citizens perceive that democracy is a positive value and that other countries are making the transition to democracy, they become more insistent that their leaders implement democratic reforms.
5. Fifth, nonviolent "people power" movements have become a crucial force for change in almost three-fourths of the countries that have democratized. These movements may facilitate democratization.
6. Lastly, many countries have leaders who are committed to democracy. In fact, many of these leaders have gained power because of the promise to pursue democratization.