Rustow's Theory of Democratic Development

Rustow's Definition of Democracy

For Rustow, democracy is fundamentally about the way decisions are made. Considering its genesis, Rustow thinks differently from modernization theorists, arguing that democracy generates democratic education and behavior as a consequence of its institutions and procedures. These provide a certain education and lifestyle to society. Democracy is viewed as a learning process and a problem-solving device. It is not about values or moral standards, but rather a set of rules and instruments for comfortable coexistence. As Rustow states, “Democracy is a matter of procedure and not substance.” This is why we embrace and apply it, not because human beings are born tolerant, egalitarian, or similar. Without a democratic system, the remaining possibilities often result in chaotic and unpleasant conditions for human coexistence (e.g., anarchy, war, totalitarianism).

Rustow states that the genesis of democracy need not be geographically, temporally, or socially uniform. In the process of modernization, there are different stages which do not last the same amount of time, possess the same characteristics, or share the same social reasons. Democracy is not socially predetermined. Rustow emphasizes, “There is no minimum level of economic development or social differential as a prerequisite to democracy.” Neither are poor, undeveloped countries condemned to live under undemocratic regimes, nor do wealthy, developed states necessarily lead to democracy (e.g., Singapore).

National Unity: The Sole Background Condition

There is only one background condition for democracy: national unity. The vast majority of people in a prospective democracy must have no doubts or mental reservations about which political community they belong to. National unity precedes the three phases of democratization. As stated in the American Declaration of Independence: “The people cannot decide until someone decides who the people are.” If there are meaningful doubts about this matter within a country, the result may not be a transition to democracy, but rather the secession of the state (e.g., former Yugoslavia). However, a sense of nationality is not directly linked to a single political community, as states can encompass plural nationalities.

Dimensions of Democracy:

• Vertical: An elected government accountable to the people.
• Horizontal: Possesses a particular territorial dimension.

Sequence and Conflict in Democratization

There is an importance of sequence in the democratization process. Once this background condition is assured, the existence of an entrenched, serious conflict emerges as a motor of change. To resolve such conflicts, a decision must be made to compromise through the conscious adoption of democratic rules. These convictions must be assembled one at a time.