Democracy & Development

This book addresses questions like: what comes first, democracy or development; is there a choice between democracy and stability; can democracy be promoted from outside; should we focus on the introduction of democratic institutions or on the promotion of democratic culture and are different cultures equally compatible with democratic systems of government? Finally, should the promotion of democracy be seen as part of regular development co-operation and what are the respective roles of national governments, international organisations and civil society? The book suggests there is a positive relationship between the two: more democracy implies more openness and checks and balances, more accountability and less corruption and all this would be conducive to sustainable development. Based on a series of lectures organised by the Society of International Development (SID), the Netherlands.