Why do some young democracies fail? Drawing on a unique data set of every democratization episode since 1960, The Fate of Young Democracies explores the underlying reasons for backsliding and reversal in the world’s fledgling democracies and offers proposals for ways that the international community can help these states stay on track toward political stability. 

At this book discussion on December 10, 2008, The Fate of Young Democracies co-author and Paul Dubrule Professor of Sustainable Development, INSEAD Ethan B. Kapstein discussed the underlying reasons for democratic failure and the implications for policy makers. Jack A. Goldstone, Virginia E. and John T. Hazel Jr. Professor of Public Policy and Editor of Foreign Policy Bulletin at George Mason University provided comments and CGD Senior Fellow Todd Moss moderated the discussion.

Access Ethan Kapstein's presentation (pdf, 1M)