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Democratic Dominoes

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  • Harvey Starr

    (University of South Carolina)

Abstract

This article is an attempt to indicate how diffusion approaches, based on the concepts of linkage and interdependence, can be of help in our thinking about the spread of democracy. The analyses address the existence or absence of diffusion effects in regard to changes in the degree of freedom in the world's governments, and whether or not there has been a more specific global movement towards democracy. The dependent variable is the set of “governmental transitions,†based on yearly Freedom House data. Diffusion analyses are at the global, regional, and neighbor-state levels (1974-1987). Thus analysis is limited to cues or prototypes from the external environment of states. Although neighbor effects are less than those found with the diffusion of war, all three levels support the proposition that there has been a diffusion of governmental transitions, including a movement towards democracy that provided a context for the dramatic events of 1988 and 1989.

Suggested Citation

  • Harvey Starr, 1991. "Democratic Dominoes," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 35(2), pages 356-381, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:35:y:1991:i:2:p:356-381
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002791035002010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eyestone, Robert, 1977. "Confusion, Diffusion, and Innovation," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(2), pages 441-447, June.
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    8. Most, Benjamin A. & Starr, Harvey, 1980. "Diffusion, Reinforcement, Geopolitics, and the Spread of War," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 74(4), pages 932-946, December.
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    1. Muhammad Habibur Rahman & Nejat Anbarci & Prasad Sankar Bhattacharya & Mehmet Ali Ulubaşoğlu, 2017. "Can extreme rainfall trigger democratic change? The role of flood-induced corruption," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 171(3), pages 331-358, June.

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