Going in the "Right" Direction? Promotion of Democracy in Rwanda Since 1990

Abstract

Using diplomacy, military intervention, and aid, external actors have played an important role in brokering peace and fostering democracy in Rwanda since 1990. Rwanda is now stable and at peace, with democratic institutions in place. However, concerns about ethnicity and security underpin a democratic system based on consensus, not competition. External intervention has had both positive and negative impacts, leaving donors with limited bargaining power. Governance is important within donor programs, but activities of promoting democracy are limited. Donors appear to accept the general direction in which Rwanda is going with regard to democracy, yet it is questionable that the endpoint is a liberal democracy along Western lines.