Democratization, Liberalization, and Human Rights in the Third World

Abrupt democratization in Third World countries does not always result in enhanced human rights. Mahmood Monshipouri argues that human rights in fledgling democracies are most likely to be improved if the transition from authoritarianism is preceded by a process of economic liberalization, which works as a prelude to a gradual expansion of civil society.

Monshipouri bridges the gaps between democratization, liberalization, and human rights studies, using all three to explain the frequency with which democratic processes in the Third World have been aborted. He supports his analysis with a comparative assessment of the progress toward democracy in Algeria, El Salvador, Pakistan, and Peru.