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The spirit of democracy : the struggle to build free societies throughout the world

Title
The spirit of democracy : the struggle to build free societies throughout the world / Larry Diamond.
Author
Diamond, Larry Jay.
Publication
New York : Times Books/Henry Holt and Company, 2008.
Supplementary Content
  • Publisher description
  • Contributor biographical information

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TextUse in library JFE 08-3666Schwarzman Building - Main Reading Room 315

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Description
448 p. : ill.; 25 cm.
Summary
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. Here, social scientist 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.--From publisher description.
Subjects
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes bibliographical references (p. [379]-428) and index.
Contents
A world partially transformed -- The universal value -- The democratic boom -- The democratic recession -- What drives democracy : the internal factors -- What drives democracy : the external factors -- What drives democracy : the regional influence -- What sustains democracy -- The prospect for global democracy -- Latin America's uneasy progress -- The postcommunist divide -- The Asian exception? -- Africa, overcoming personal rule -- Can the Middle East democratize? -- The path to democratic renewal -- Making democracies work -- Promoting democracy effectively -- Physician, heal thyself.
Call Number
JFE 08-3666
ISBN
  • 9780805078695
  • 080507869X
LCCN
2007037199
OCLC
172521698
Author
Diamond, Larry Jay.
Title
The spirit of democracy : the struggle to build free societies throughout the world / Larry Diamond.
Imprint
New York : Times Books/Henry Holt and Company, 2008.
Edition
1st ed.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. [379]-428) and index.
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Publisher description
Contributor biographical information
Sample text
Research Call Number
JFE 08-3666
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