The spirit of democracy : the struggle to build free societies throughout the world / Larry Diamond.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [379]-428) and index.

A world partially transformed -- The universal value -- The democratic boom -- The democratic recession -- What drives democracy : the internal factors -- What drives democracy : the external factors -- What drives democracy : the regional influence -- What sustains democracy -- The prospect for global democracy -- Latin America's uneasy progress -- The postcommunist divide -- The Asian exception? -- Africa, overcoming personal rule -- Can the Middle East democratize? -- The path to democratic renewal -- Making democracies work -- Promoting democracy effectively -- Physician, heal thyself.

In 1974, nearly three-quarters of all countries were dictatorships; today, more than half are democracies. Yet recent efforts to promote democracy have stumbled, and many democratic governments are faltering. Here, social scientist Diamond examines how and why democracy progresses. He demonstrates that the desire for democracy runs deep, even in very poor countries, and that seemingly entrenched regimes like Iran and China could become democracies within a generation. He also dissects the causes of the "democratic recession" in critical states, including the crime-infested oligarchy in Russia and the strong-armed populism of Venezuela. Diamond cautions that arrogance and inconsistency have undermined America's aspirations to promote democracy. To spur a renewed democratic boom, he urges vigorous support of good governance--the rule of law, security, protection of individual rights, and shared economic prosperity--and free civic organizations. Only then will the spirit of democracy be secured.--From publisher description.