The Role of Ordinary People in Democratization

Authors: Christian Welzel and Ronald Inglehart
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Name: Journal of Democracy
Language: English

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Abstract:

Human empowerment is becoming an increasingly important driving force behind democratization. Although elite bargaining was central when representative democracy first emerged and still plays an important role, the development of “effective democracy” reflects the acquisition by ordinary people of resources and values that enable them effectively to pressure elites. The importance of this process, called “human empowerment,” is generally underestimated.

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