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Democratization of Countries, U.S. Diplomatic Relations - General & Miscellaneous, Democracies & Republics - General & Miscellaneous
The Failure Of Democratic Nation Building by Albert Somit β€” book cover

The Failure Of Democratic Nation Building

by Albert Somit, Steven A. Peterson
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Overview

In this book, Somit and Peterson argue that humans are social primates with an innate tendency for hierarchical and authoritarian social and political structures, and that democracy requires very special "enabling conditions" before it can be supported by a state, conditions that require decades to evolve. As a result, attempts to export democracy through nation-building to states without these enabling conditions are doomed to failure.

Synopsis

In this book, Somit and Peterson argue that humans are social primates with an innate tendency for hierarchical and authoritarian social and political structures, and that democracy requires very special "enabling conditions" before it can be supported by a state, conditions that require decades to evolve. As a result, attempts to export democracy through nation-building to states without these enabling conditions are doomed to failure.

About the Author, Albert Somit

Steven A. Peterson is Professor of Politics, Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg and Director of its School of Public Affairs. Albert Somit is Professor Emeritus at Southern Illinois University.

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Book Details

Published
November 1, 2005
Publisher
Palgrave Macmillan
Pages
176
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9781403967817

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