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Piecing a Democratic Quilt? Regional Organizations and Universal Norms

Edward McMahon and Scott Baker
Piecing a Democratic Quilt? Regional Organizations and Universal Norms
ISBN: 978-1-56549-223-3
$26.95
2006/244 pages/LC: 2006006720
A Kumarian Press Book

"McMahon and Baker have added an important piece to our understanding of the evolving international norms and practices that favor the spread of democratic rights and freedoms. Their book demonstrates that, as new democracies emerge, the global consensus that democracy is a universal norm will enlarge and ultimately triumph."—Ted Piccone, Democracy Coalition Project

"This rigorous, well-organized study of the role of regional international organizations in the promotion of democracy illuminates an important part of the burgeoning democracy-building field."—Thomas Carothers, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

DESCRIPTION

Providing essential analysis and insights, Edward McMahon and Scott Baker assess the various approaches that regional organizations have been developing to promote their member- states' adherence to democratic principles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward R. McMahon is research associate professor in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics and the Department of Political Science at the University of Vermont. Scott H. Baker is assistant professor in the Robert P. Stiller School of Business, Champlain College.

CONTENTS

  • Introduction.
  • Setting the Scene.
  • European Union.
  • Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
  • Organization of American States.
  • The Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Organization of African Unity/African Union.
  • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Arab League.
  • Comparative Analysis.
  • Toward a Finished Quilt—Future Perspectives and Recommendations.