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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Political Consequences Of Party System Change, Riccardo Pelizzo, Zim Nwokora Aug 2015

The Political Consequences Of Party System Change, Riccardo Pelizzo, Zim Nwokora

riccardo pelizzo

This article engages one of the important gaps in the literature on party system effects: the consequences of party system change. We discuss how existing empirical approaches to party system change do not actually capture the changeability of patterns of party competition, which is the most direct understanding of the term “party system.” We propose a measure that does exactly this: the index of fluidity. Applying this measure to countries in South East Asia, we show that party system change is associated with harmful effects, including lower foreign direct investment and deterioration of the rule of law


What Is Islamic Democracy? The Three Cs Of Islamic Governance, Muqtedar Khan Dec 2014

What Is Islamic Democracy? The Three Cs Of Islamic Governance, Muqtedar Khan

Muqtedar Khan

This book chapter explores the three Cs of Islamic Governance; Constitution, Consultation and Consent.


Legitimation, Mark C. Modak-Truran Jan 2014

Legitimation, Mark C. Modak-Truran

Mark C Modak-Truran

This article identifies three different conceptions of legitimation - pre-modern, modern, and post-secular - that compete both within and across national boundaries for the coveted prize of informing the social imaginary regarding how the government and the law should be legitimated in constitutional democracies. Pre-modern conceptions of legitimation consider governments and rulers legitimate if they are ordained by God or if the political system is ordered in accordance with the normative cosmic order. Contemporary proponents of the pre-modern conception range from those in the United States who maintain that the government has been legitimated by the “Judeo-Christian tradition” to those …


Equilibrium Institutions: The Federal-Proportional Trade-Off, Josep M. Colomer Jan 2014

Equilibrium Institutions: The Federal-Proportional Trade-Off, Josep M. Colomer

Josep M. Colomer

Durable democracies display a huge variety of combinations of basic institutional formulas. A quantitative logical model shows that while there are multiple equilibrium sets of institutions, each involves some trade-off between the size of the country, the territorial structure of government and the electoral system. Specifically, the larger the country, the more important is federalism in comparison to proportional representation electoral rules for the durability of democratic institutions. The explanatory power of the model is positively tested on all current durable democratic countries. It is also illustrated with a few both fitting and deviant cases. A relevant implication is that …


Environmental Inequalities And Democratic Citizenship: Linking Normative Theory With Empirical Research, Fabian Schuppert, Ivo Wallimann-Helmer Jan 2014

Environmental Inequalities And Democratic Citizenship: Linking Normative Theory With Empirical Research, Fabian Schuppert, Ivo Wallimann-Helmer

Fabian Schuppert

The aim of this paper is to link empirical findings concerning environmental inequalities with different normative yard-sticks for assessing whether these inequalities should be deemed unjust, or not. We argue that such an inquiry must necessarily take into account some caveats regarding both empirical research and normative theory. We suggest that empirical results must be contextualised by establishing geographies of risk. As a normative yard-stick we propose a moderately demanding social-egalitarian account of justice and democratic citizenship, which we take to be best suited to identify unjust as well as legitimate instances of socio-environmental inequality.


The Democracy Cluster Classification Index, Mihaiela R. Gugiu, Miguel Centellas May 2013

The Democracy Cluster Classification Index, Mihaiela R. Gugiu, Miguel Centellas

Miguel Centellas

Using hierarchical cluster analysis, a new measure of democracy, the DCC index, is proposed and constructed from five popular indices of democracy (Freedom House, Polity IV, Vanhanen's index of democratization, Cheibub et al.'s index of democracy and dictatorship, and the Cingranelli-Richards index of electoral self-determination). The DCC was used to classify the regime types for twenty-four countries in the Americas and thirty-nine countries in Europe over a thirty-year period. The results indicated that democracy is a latent class variable. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted for the five existing democracy indices as well as the newly proposed Unified Democracy Scores …


Neoliberalism And The Law Reassessing Historical Materialist Analysis Of The Law For The 21st Century, Justin Schwartz Jan 2013

Neoliberalism And The Law Reassessing Historical Materialist Analysis Of The Law For The 21st Century, Justin Schwartz

Justin Schwartz

Historical materialism has been called in question by the triumph of neoliberalism and the fall of Communism. I show, by consideration of two examples, the 2008 crisis and recent Supreme Court campaign spending First Amendment jurisprudence, that neoliberalism instead vindicates the explanatory power of (non-mechanical and non-deterministic) historical materialism in accounting for a wide range of recent legal developments in legislation, executive (in)action, and judicial decision-making.


Neoliberalism And The Law: How Historical Materialism Can Illuminate Recent Governmental And Judicial Decision Making, Justin Schwartz Jan 2013

Neoliberalism And The Law: How Historical Materialism Can Illuminate Recent Governmental And Judicial Decision Making, Justin Schwartz

Justin Schwartz

Neoliberalism can be understood as the deregulation of the economy from political control by deliberate action or inaction of the state. As such it is both constituted by the law and deeply affects it. I show how the methods of historical materialism can illuminate this phenomenon in all three branches of the the U.S. government. Considering the example the global financial crisis of 2007-08 that began with the housing bubble developing from trade in unregulated and overvalued mortgage backed securities, I show how the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, which established a firewall between commercial and investment banking, allowed this …


Aspectos Democraticos De La Ley De Ordenamiento Territorial Y Usos Del Suelo De La Provincia De Mendoza Nª 8051, Luis Gabriel Escobar Blanco Jun 2012

Aspectos Democraticos De La Ley De Ordenamiento Territorial Y Usos Del Suelo De La Provincia De Mendoza Nª 8051, Luis Gabriel Escobar Blanco

Luis Gabriel Escobar Blanco

In these times when direct forms of democracy burst before formal institutions, the Land Use Planning Law in the Province of Mendoza is presented as valid and democratic alternative, which integrates direct citizen participation with the constitutional representative principle, contemplating identity cultural as a valid indicator for the management modelThis Law Nº 8051 formalizes and concrete the spirit of the quintessential democratic in three principles: government of the people, by the people and for the people. And we add our tradition the principle "the people want to know what it is"


Towards An Impure, Dynamic Concept Of Identity?, Rafael Rodríguez Prieto Jan 2012

Towards An Impure, Dynamic Concept Of Identity?, Rafael Rodríguez Prieto

Rafael Rodríguez Prieto

We live in homogenizing times, in an increasingly globalized world; at the same time, we are witnessing an era of ferocious particularities and rabid individualism. Both trends—rooted in essentialisms of identity—deny entire populations the opportunity to emancipate themselves and participate in self-government. Universalizing (or imposing a specific hierarchy of values and ideas on others) is as dangerous as refusing to recognize the role other values and ideas play in shaping one’s own value set. This paper will take a closer look at the notion of identity through the looking glass of globalization.


The Challenges Of Electoral Process Institutions Of The Zanzibar And Union Elections Of 1995, 2000 And 2005: Anything New With The Election Expenses Act, 2010?, Conrad John Masabo Mr. Dec 2011

The Challenges Of Electoral Process Institutions Of The Zanzibar And Union Elections Of 1995, 2000 And 2005: Anything New With The Election Expenses Act, 2010?, Conrad John Masabo Mr.

Conrad John Masabo Mr.

Though it is true that elections alone do not guarantee proper functioning of democracies, they are the most convenient means of effecting orderly political successions of office bearers. But for elections to become credible instruments to political succession its adherence to the rules of the game as well as procedures which had been agreed upon by players themselves. In that regard the constitutional and legal framework governing the electoral processes have been always central and among the fundamental issues during elections. They thus constitute most important decrees in setting conditions under which elections are conducted in a country. This paper …


Shadows From The Past: Party System Institutionalization In Asia, Erik Martinez Kuhonta, Allen Hicken Feb 2011

Shadows From The Past: Party System Institutionalization In Asia, Erik Martinez Kuhonta, Allen Hicken

Erik Kuhonta

No abstract provided.


Formal Democracy, Structural Violence, And The Possibility Of "Perpetual Peace.", Andrew Pierce Jan 2011

Formal Democracy, Structural Violence, And The Possibility Of "Perpetual Peace.", Andrew Pierce

Andrew J. Pierce

In this paper, I revisit and evaluate Kant’s prerequisites for “perpetual peace,” including the claim, central to contemporary political rhetoric, that formal democracy produces peace. I argue that formal democracy alone is insufficient to address the kinds of deep-rooted structural violence that ultimately manifest in terrorism and other forms of direct violence. I claim that the attempt to eliminate structural violence, and so achieve real “perpetual peace,” requires a more substantive sort of democracy, of which the United States and the West remain poor examples. It requires a political critique that goes deeper than just the critique of state power …


Le Virtù Del Clientelismo, Riccardo Pelizzo Jan 2011

Le Virtù Del Clientelismo, Riccardo Pelizzo

riccardo pelizzo

The paper provides a critical discussion of Simona Piattoni's Le virtù del clientelismo.


Civil Society And Democratic Governace In Nigeria Jan 2011

Civil Society And Democratic Governace In Nigeria

OBI, Ndifon Neji

The return to civilian rule in 1999 it was thought, had settled Nigeria’s problem of misgovernance and it was hoped that a formal transition from militarism (militarizzare) to democracy would usher in a new era of democratic order which will in turn enhance good governance based on the democratic principles of respect of basic rights, rule of law, provision of basic amenities, political stability and economic development. But after about eleven years of uninterrupted democratic experimentation, this has proved to be a mirage. Nigeria continues to suffer from insincere leadership even as the political situation worsens threatening hopes for democratic …


A Diplomatic Theatre Of The Absurd: Canada, The Oas And The Coup In Honduras, Maxwell A. Cameron, Jason Tockman Jun 2010

A Diplomatic Theatre Of The Absurd: Canada, The Oas And The Coup In Honduras, Maxwell A. Cameron, Jason Tockman

Maxwell Cameron

Throughout the crisis caused by the coup in Honduras in 2009, Canada moved in lockstep with the United States. Doing so clashed with Canada's frequently stated commitment to multilateralism and democracy.


Thailand Unravelling, Erik Martinez Kuhonta May 2010

Thailand Unravelling, Erik Martinez Kuhonta

Erik Kuhonta

No abstract provided.


Opinion Polls And Presidential Campaign In Colombia, Fernando Estrada Mar 2010

Opinion Polls And Presidential Campaign In Colombia, Fernando Estrada

Fernando Estrada

The polls, these surveys do not withstand any rigorous testing. And contrary to expand the formation of public opinion, impaired. To overcome this defect should propose means fewer surveys and more discussions. Presidential campaigns should seek democratic enlargement, and a less massive media exposure to foot the surveys. Simplify


Democracy In Dangerous Places: Colombia. Vote With Paramilitary Preferences, Fernando Estrada Mar 2010

Democracy In Dangerous Places: Colombia. Vote With Paramilitary Preferences, Fernando Estrada

Fernando Estrada

This paper discusses the problem of paramilitary violence in Colombia and its effects on democracy. The elections were part of the purpose of self defense and constituted a disguised form to retain its drug trafficking economy. The impacts on institutional technology have been negative: representative democracy, the electoral system and voting, they were not the same. With paramilitary violence changed the electoral map in areas contested by the traditional political parties. Voting with paramilitary preferences mean the biggest challenge is constitutional democracy in Colombia.


The State Of Democracy In The Andes: Introduction To A Thematic Issue Of Revista De Ciencia Politica, Maxwell A. Cameron Mar 2010

The State Of Democracy In The Andes: Introduction To A Thematic Issue Of Revista De Ciencia Politica, Maxwell A. Cameron

Maxwell Cameron

This overview finds evidence for concern about the ability of the governments in Colombia and Venezuela to hold free and fair elections and a trend toward the concentration of executive power in most countries in the sub-region. The separation of powers has been most sharply eroded in Venezuela; but Bolivia and Ecuador are moving in a similar direction. Colombia has a robust constitutional order, including a remarkably independent judiciary, however, constitutional order is threatened by the growing concentration of executive power. At the same time, most Andean countries are experimenting with new mechanisms of participation. There are sharp contrasts between …


Postnationalist Democratization, Cillian Mcbride Jan 2010

Postnationalist Democratization, Cillian Mcbride

Cillian McBride

No abstract provided.


The Politics Of The Romanticization Of Popular Culture, Or, Going Ga-Ga Over Pop Culture: A Critical Theory Assessment, Eric Bain-Selbo Jan 2010

The Politics Of The Romanticization Of Popular Culture, Or, Going Ga-Ga Over Pop Culture: A Critical Theory Assessment, Eric Bain-Selbo

Eric Bain-Selbo

No abstract provided.


Garrison’ Democracy In Nigeria: The 2007 General Elections And The Prospects Of Democratic Consolidation, Shola J. Omotola Apr 2009

Garrison’ Democracy In Nigeria: The 2007 General Elections And The Prospects Of Democratic Consolidation, Shola J. Omotola

Shola J. Omotola Mr

This paper undertakes a critical analysis of the 2007 Nigeria’s general elections, with emphasis on the ‘garrison’ process and its implications for the consolidation of democracy. It is argued that garrisoned electoral processes represent a powerful source of democratic instability that can threaten the consolidation of democracy. The paper illustrates these processes and concludes that much will, however, depend on how ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ manage their successes and failures, respectively. The greatest threats to the consolidation of democracy in the aftermath of the garrisoned elections relate to the handling of post-election issues, especially election petitions, tribunals and court processes, by …


Latin America’S Left Turns: Beyond Good And Bad, Maxwell A. Cameron Jan 2009

Latin America’S Left Turns: Beyond Good And Bad, Maxwell A. Cameron

Maxwell Cameron

In rapid succession leftwing parties have been elected to government in some of the most important countries in the Latin American region. I challenge the view that there are two distinct variants of the left—one populist, the other social democratic—and argue that variation on the left reflects the diverse conditions under which these forces emerge and evolve. I outline common features shared by the left in Latin America; suggest how the concept of populism and analysis of social movements can help explain this variation; and show how the left’s commitment to egalitarianism, balancing markets, and, in some cases, appeals to …


El Giro A La Izquierda Frustrado En Peru: El Caso De Ollanta Humala, Maxwell A. Cameron Jan 2009

El Giro A La Izquierda Frustrado En Peru: El Caso De Ollanta Humala, Maxwell A. Cameron

Maxwell Cameron

The unexpected rise of radical nationalist candidate Ollanta Humala in the Peruvian general election of 2006 took many observers by surprise. This article analyzes the origin and nature of the Humala candidacy, evaluates whether his campaign capitalized on weaknesses in the party system, and the degree to which it reflected a repudiation of neoliberal policies, the state of democracy, or the performance of recent elected governments.


Democracy Without Parties? Political Parties And Regime Change In Fujimori’S Peru, Maxwell A. Cameron, Steven Levitsky Jan 2009

Democracy Without Parties? Political Parties And Regime Change In Fujimori’S Peru, Maxwell A. Cameron, Steven Levitsky

Maxwell Cameron

Political parties are critical to Latin American democracy. This was demonstrated in Peru, where an atomized, candidate-centered party system developed after Alberto Fujimori's 1992 presidential self-coup. Party system decomposition weakened the democratic opposition against an increasingly authoritarian regime. Since the regime collapsed in 2000, prospects for party rebuilding have been mixed. Structural changes, such as the growth of the informal sector and the spread of mass media technologies, have weakened politicians' incentive to build parties. Although these changes did not cause the collapse of the party system, they may inhibit its reconstruction.


Canada's Engagement With Democracies In The Americas, Maxwell A. Cameron, Catherine Hecht Oct 2008

Canada's Engagement With Democracies In The Americas, Maxwell A. Cameron, Catherine Hecht

Maxwell Cameron

Canada’s engagement with Latin America over the past two decades was predicated on three inter-related assumptions: that the region was becoming more democratic, that it had embraced markets, and that, as a result, it was reasonable to expect a more cooperative and pragmatic tone in inter-American affairs. These assumptions have proven faulty. Although democracy remains the preferred system of government, many voters are dissatisfied with their elected governments; the record of progress in reducing poverty and inequality has also been disappointing; finally, the international politics of the region have become more fraught. The current Canadian “re-engagement” with the region offers …


Assuming Bosnia: Democracy After Srebrenica, Timothy W. Waters Jan 2008

Assuming Bosnia: Democracy After Srebrenica, Timothy W. Waters

Timothy W Waters

Assuming Bosnia: Democracy after Srebrenica Timothy William Waters Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Law (Bloomington) This essay is a reflection on democracy, justice and intervention. It focuses on the Bosnian experience, which requires one to consider several actors: Bosnia as a state, Bosnians as a people or peoples, and the international community. For since Dayton, the indispensable context for reform in Bosnia has been the international protectorate, which is to say the deliberate abrogation of autonomous, democratic, domestic processes for some defined, and hopefully higher, set of purposes. These purposes are expressed in the Dayton Accords, though increasingly the …


Assuming Bosnia: Taking The Polity Seriously In Ethnically Divided Societies, Timothy W. Waters Jan 2008

Assuming Bosnia: Taking The Polity Seriously In Ethnically Divided Societies, Timothy W. Waters

Timothy W Waters

This essay is a reflection on democracy, justice and intervention. It focuses on the Bosnian experience, where since the Dayton Accords the indispensable context for reform has been the international protectorate. This essay examines the assumptions used by the international community to govern Bosnia, which suggest a policy premised upon resistance to the fragmentation of the state under any circumstances, and a belief that the international intervention is simultaneously morally justified and a purely technical process for increasing efficiency. How necessary – indeed, how related at all – are those commitments to the dictates of justice? What is their relationship …


Toward Responsible Sovereignty: The Case For Intervention, Erik Martinez Kuhonta Jan 2008

Toward Responsible Sovereignty: The Case For Intervention, Erik Martinez Kuhonta

Erik Kuhonta

No abstract provided.