Abstract
Given that each of the issue areas addressed in the previous chapter has
a self-evident connection with democracy, it seems strange that scholars
have paid so little attention to them. The reason for the apparent para
dox lies in a lack of theory, particularly for the second stage, democratic
consolidation. The lack of theory, however, creates a problem demand
ing a resolution. We really do not know how or when a political system
has become a consolidated democracy. As a consequence, we may well
be employing a paradigm establishing a research agenda that is not at all
appropriate in some cases. This is most certainly so when the country
has either ceased democratization because it has reverted to authoritar
ianism or it has achieved a stable democratic political system.