A missing link? Elite factionalism and democratization in Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID2140686
AuthorsJulien Morency-Laflamme (0000-0002-2003-2603, Université de Montréal, corresponding author)
Year2015
Volume49
Issue3
Pages459-477
Publication date2015-09-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCanadian Journal of African Studies / Revue canadienne des études africaines (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0008-3968 • E-ISSN: 1923-3051
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00083968.2015.1100544
OpenAlexW2320450470
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited51

This article integrates the dynamics within authoritarian elites into analysis of democratization in Sub-Saharan Africa. This variable has been excluded from nearly all analysis on the subject. Based on a comparison of three cases, this article concludes that only in cases where popular mobilization was accompanied by deep divisions within the ruling coalition did democratization ensue. The division of the authoritarian coalition in Benin and South Africa created a window of opportunity which enabled pro-democracy forces to push through democratic reforms. Furthermore, only when a majority of the authoritarian elite in South Africa favoured negotiations with the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid political organizations did the transition towards democracy in South Africa make any progress. In contrast, in the Togolese case, a united ruling coalition precluded any reform that would have challenged its political hegemony

Authoritarianism · Democracy · Democratization · Development economics · Economics · Elite · Hegemony · Negotiation · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · International Development and Aid · Law · Political Conflict and Governance · South African History and Culture

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