Larry J. Diamond

Charts the future prospects for freedom around the world in the aftermath of Iraq and deepening authoritarianism.

Discusses global Democratic trends over the past three decades.

Discusses Democratic trends following the Cold War.

Delivers the first insider's account of the U.S. occupation of Iraq-a sobering and critical assessment of America's effort to implant democracy.

Provides a comprehensive assessment of the origins and staying power of Middle East autocracies, as well as a sober account of the struggles of state reformers and opposition forces to promote civil liberties, competitive elections, and a pluralistic vision of Islam. 

Sets forth a distinctive theoretical perspective on democratic evolution and consolidation in the late twentieth century. Rejecting theories that posit preconditions for democracy—and thus dismiss its prospects in poor countries—Diamond argues instead for a "developmental" theory of democracy. This, he explains, is one which views democracy everywhere as a work in progress that emerges piecemeal, at different rates, in different ways and forms, in different countries.