Comparative Transitions to Democracy Masaryk University in Brno Unit IV. Restoring Democracies: The Post-WWII Democratising Experiences Lecturer: Oscar Hidalgo-Redondo Date: 14 April 2009 4.1 The World Wars and Democratisation The WWI shocked the political pillars in Europe marks the end of the long cycle of democracy liberalisations into democratisations popular sovereignty extension to excluded “minorities” 1 nation – 1 state however, limited success reverse wave 1920-1939 weak democratic governments lack of support among citizens socio-economic problems maps and conflicts Liberal democracies not the only alternative 3 models liberal democratic old model evolution fascist state corporatist state mobilising ideology communist state no social classes egalitarian By 1939, it was not clear which of these models was to impose WWII solved the dilemma Fascism is defeated and eradicated Liberal democracies and Socialist states dividing areas of influence iron curtain 4.2 Transitions of the Second Wave: Characteristics Very different from first wave very much related with the international environment cannot be separated from their international circumstances WWII central to understand them led by foreigners involvement of International Organisations transitions that have a different point of destination democracy, political rights equality, social rights a new form of understanding democracy transitions exported beyond the “West” democratisation in different parts of the world developmental theories Centrality of human rights and human dignity consequence of WWII separation of powers balancing institutional design cautious use of plebiscites and direct dem. division centre-periphery Extension of social rights political rights basic civil freedoms and liberties extension of social rights education health care work house trade unions strike 4.3 Transitions of the Second Wave: Models Two different types Restoration of democracy in countries that had it before 1939 defeated in the war Germany Italy Japan Austria new constitutional models France Greece Denmark Mostly European countries that have already experienced democracy before relatively easy transition Countries that acquired independence after WWII decolonisation India Pakistan Indonesia Libya Nigeria Cameroon Ivory Coast Chad Ghana ... most of them celebrating democratic elections first falling into authoritarian rules civil wars 4.4 Restoring Democracy in Europe: Germany and Italy Two countries “defeated” in the WWII Germany, the initiator of the war Italy, changing sides Two transitions in which the external tutoring is clear Germany, direct real occupation “foreign” constitution Italy, indirect external guidance Two models that are democratic understanding the existence of a democratic culture regenerating the democratic structures WWII, military defeat of Germany occupation and new political regime de-nazification Nuremberg processes elite a political-criminal process 22 accused 12 death sentences lustration Exonerated, or non-incriminated pers Followers Less incriminated Activists or Incriminated Persons Major Offenders Strong in the US and Soviet Sector remove those involved from positions of responsibility Recreation of new structures Municipalities-Districts-Regions-State tensions East-West, division of Germany West Germany, 1948 London, bases of the new regime were created 65 member German Parliamentary Council Constitutional draft Western military authorities Regions approve 1949 C. effective 1952 occupation finished 1955 International recognition German Federalism tradition of autonomy but imposed by allies Diversified but successful Centrality of Human Rights art.1 'dignity of man is untouchable and to respect and protect it is the duty of all public power' Reaction to nazism state must protect HR (majority) no referendum no people popular initiative The case of Italy is different 1943 Allied troops invade the south of Italy Internal revolt finish with fascism Marshall Pietro Badoglio led govmt. Committees of National Liberation Transition implied negotiation between official govmt./parallel authorities Main conflict was monarchy Old King Victor Manuel III resigned son Humbert II temporary king 1946 Elections for Constitutional Assembly and Referendum for monarchy (54.3% against) Constitution drafted in 1947 by Italian members of the parliament Constitution with deep social contents social rights (work, trade union, strike, land,...) welfare state (education, housing, health, support to families) Defence of Human Rights reaction to fascist regime right of asylum 4.5 Creating Democracy Beyond the West: Pakistan and Cameroon Pakistan and Cameroon are two typical examples of what happen after the WWII with the attempts to create democratic regimes Countries under colonial rule not real democracy exposed to democracy and “democratic” government Pakistan receives independence from British rule n 1947 Elections in 1946, Constitutional Assembly Muslim population Determination of boundaries with India war in 1947 instability, riots Military take over in 1958