Transitions to Democracy and Democratic Consolidation: Theoretical and Comparative Issues

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…