Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy
Economic and Political Origins
By Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson | Publisher: Cambridge University Press
About the book
This book develops a framework for analyzing the creation and consolidation of democracy. Different social groups prefer different political institutions because of the way they allocate political power and resources. Thus democracy is preferred by the majority of citizens, but opposed by elites. Dictatorship nevertheless is not stable when citizens can threaten social disorder and revolution. In response, when the costs of repression are sufficiently high and promises of concessions are not credible, elites may be forced to create democracy. By democratizing, elites credibly transfer political power to the citizens, ensuring social stability. Democracy consolidates when elites do not have strong incentive to overthrow it. These processes depend on (1) the strength of civil society, (2) the structure of political institutions, (3) the nature of political and economic crises, (4) the level of economic inequality, (5) the structure of the economy, and (6) the form and extent of globalization.
Editions of Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780521855266
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780521671422
Read an Excerpt
This book develops a framework for analyzing the creation and consolidation of democracy. Different social groups prefer different political institutions because of the way they allocate political power and resources. Thus democracy is preferred by the majority of citizens, but opposed by elites. Dictatorship nevertheless is not stable when citizens can threaten social disorder and revolution. In response, when the costs of repression are sufficiently high and promises of concessions are not credible, elites may be forced to create democracy. By democratizing, elites credibly transfer political power to the citizens, ensuring social stability. Democracy consolidates when elites do not have strong incentive to overthrow it. These processes depend on (1) the strength of civil society, (2) the structure of political institutions, (3) the nature of political and economic crises, (4) the level of economic inequality, (5) the structure of the economy, and (6) the form and extent of globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy about?
This book develops a framework for analyzing the creation and consolidation of democracy. Different social groups prefer different political institutions because of the way they allocate political power and resources. Thus democracy is preferred by the majority of citizens, but opposed by elites. Dictatorship nevertheless is not stable when citizens can threaten social disorder and revolution. In response, when the costs of repression are sufficiently high and promises of concessions are not credible, elites may be forced to create democracy. By democratizing, elites credibly transfer political power to the citizens, ensuring social stability. Democracy consolidates when elites do not have strong incentive to overthrow it. These processes depend on (1) the strength of civil society, (2) the structure of political institutions, (3) the nature of political and economic crises, (4) the level of economic inequality, (5) the structure of the economy, and (6) the form and extent of globalization.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political structure and processes > Political structures / systems: autocracy, totalitarianism and dictatorship
Where can I read a sample of Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521855266
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy?
Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521855266) and paperback(ISBN 9780521671422)