The Cultural and Institutional Dynamics of Global Democratization a Synthesis of Mass Experience and Congruence Theory

Abstract

This essay offers a comprehensive account of the current wave of global democratization by examining the democratic changes that have taken place in both the political institutions and mass citizenries of new democracies in Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and New Europe. After reviewing previous research findings on the breadth and depth of institutional and cultural democratization, the essay analyzes their relationships with factual data and public opinion surveys. Analyses of four regional barometer surveys reveal that new democracies in three of the four regions confront the problem of low popular demand for democracy. On the basis of this finding, the essay concludes that the embrace of democracy as ”the only game in town” is a first step, not a last step, toward the democratization of mass citizenries.