The relationship between economic development, ruling elites and democratic consolidation.
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Date
1999
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Abstract
The end of the cold war resulted in much optimism in Africa that political and
economic problems would be minimised. In line with this optimism a number of
countries undertook political and economic reforms. These developments are the
reason why I chose the topic of democratic consolidation. There has been a
growing interest in the democratisation prospects of these 'fragile states'. The
question is, would they succeed in establishing necessary institutions to support
democratic norms? In the literature there are diverse opinions, some point to
political elites as the main stumbling block to democratic consolidation. They
argue that there are no incentives to pursue a democratic path. Modernisation
theory has placed more emphasis on economic development as a prerequisite to
political stability. As a result some people argue that poor countries have limited
chances to consolidate their democracy.
This paper focuses upon the prospects of democratic consolidation in South
Africa. The study has two main themes that are closely interlinked. The
relationship between economic development and political development will be
examined as will the positioning and ability of ruling elite to facilitate or impede
democratic consolidation. What is argued is that institutions are in place to
guarantee democratic consolidation. What is required now is a robust civil and
political society to safeguard this democracy. This dissertation concludes by
arguing that citizens are the key to democratic consolidation, they can guard
their won freedom if they feel that it is threatened.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.
Keywords
Democracy--South Africa., Theses--Political Science., South Africa--Politics and government--1994-