Driving Democracy: Do Power-Sharing Institutions Work?

Proposals for power-sharing constitutions remain controversial, as highlighted by current debates in Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sudan. This book updates and refines the theory of consociationalism, taking account of the flood of contemporary innovations in power-sharing institutions that have occurred worldwide. The book classifies and compares four types of political institutions: the electoral system, parliamentary or presidential executives, unitary or federal states, and the structure and independence of the mass media. The study tests the potential advantages and disadvantages of each of these institutions for democratic governance. Cross-national time-series data concerning trends in democracy are analyzed for all countries worldwide since the early 1970s. Chapters are enriched by comparing detailed case studies. The mixed-method research design illuminates the underlying causal mechanisms by examining historical developments and processes of institutional change within particular nations and regions. The conclusion draws together the results and the practical lessons for policymakers.

Author: Pippa Norris
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 08/01/2008
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780521694803

Review Citation(s):
Chronicle of Higher Education 09/12/2008 pg. 21
Choice 03/01/2009

About the Author
Norris, Pippa: - Pippa Norris is the McGuire Lecturer in Comparative Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and Director, Democratic Governance, United Nations Development Program. Her work compares elections and public opinion, gender politics, and political communications. Companion volumes by this author, also published by Cambridge University Press, include A Virtuous Circle (2000), Digital Divide (2001), Democratic Phoenix (2002), Rising Tide (2003), Electoral Engineering (2004), Sacred and Secular (2004), and Radical Right (2005).