Transitions to Democracy and Democratic Consolidation: Theoretical and Comparative Issues

Abstract

Abstract In the 1980s, an extensive literature has emerged on transitions to democracy and democratic processes in Latin America. Latin Americans and Latin Americanists have produced ground breaking works that have enhanced understanding of these subjects. A number of differences of opinion, usually implicit and not articulated, have arisen. Considering the abundance and quality of the literature, a review of some major themes, debates, and disagreements is overdue. In response, this paper analyzes some of the key comparative and theoretical issues in the literature, in several cases challenging influential arguments. Resumen En los años 80', se ha producido una extensa literatura sobre transiciones a la democracia y procesos democráticos en América Latina. Latinoamericanos y latinoamericanistas han producido trabajos pioneros, mejorando el entendimiento de estos temas. Varias diferencias de opinión sobre problemas teóricos, generalmente implícitas y no articuladas, han surgido en esta literatura. Considerando la abundancia y calidad de esta literatura, resulta importante realizar una revisión de los temas, debates y desacuerdos mas relevantes. Este documento analiza algunos aspectos comparativos y teóricos que son claves en la producción literaria reciente, en varios casos examinando criticamente algunos de los argumentos mas influyentes.

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