ON THE 3RD WAVE OF DEMOCRATIZATION - A SYNTHESIS AND EVALUATION OF RECENT THEORY AND RESEARCH

This article synthesizes significant findings of theoretical and empir ical research on the third wave of democratization. It addresses a num ber of central questions. What changes have been taking place in the s tudy of democracy and democratization over the past two decades? How h ave the concepts of democracy and democratization been redefined for a new generation of scholars oriented to action and advice? What develo pments in the measurement of the two concepts have been stimulated by the quickening pace of democratization? What has been learned about th e dynamics of democratization itself? What mixes of democratic institu tions and rules offer the ''best'' prospect for democratic consolidati on? What kinds of strategies and tactics have been prescribed for enco uraging democratic reforms in those countries that remain nondemocrati c? What are the prospects for the third wave of democratization?