What is the state of democracy today around the world?
There has been a remarkable movement towards democracy in the last two decades. The mix of factors involved in the process of democratization is complex, and we are still learning all of its dynamics. In Latin America, failed economic policies and corrupt military regimes dominated the 1970s. Many of these countries had some experience with democracy, and activist groups and political parties pressed for civilian government and clean elections. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the sudden collapse of authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union opened the door for countries in these regions to establish more democratic governments. Africa, though, still struggles with democratic change, partially because its economic development has lagged behind other regions of the world. Also important has been the expansion of trade and travel, the telecommunications revolution, and perhaps most of all, the growing strength and activism of civic groups. They, more than political parti
