Democratic Transition and Rule of Law

This seminar will explore the process of democratic transition - the replacement of a repressive authoritarian regime with democratic governmental institutions and the rule of law -- as well as factors associated with transition success and failure. The course will compare theories of democratic transition and evaluate those theories using evidence from a range of examples but focusing particularly on Asia. The case of Myanmar, which was, until recently, in the midst of what appeared to be a reasonably successful democratic transition, will serve as a recurring test of different theoretical perspectives. Major topics include constitutional design, the relationship between democratic transition and economic development, the impact of religious and ethnic heterogeneity, the influence of international treaties and organizations, and the role of civil society and informal norms (such as accepting electoral defeat). Students may write a paper to satisfy the UCWR in lieu of taking the final exam. All students will select a research topic and make a brief PowerPoint presentation on their research findings.