Democratization

Democratization is the process through which a political system becomes more democratic in participation, competition, or accountability.

Political liberalization: The expansion of civil liberties and political competition within a system that may remain authoritarian. It can open public space before a full transition to democracy.
Political regime: The formal and informal rules that determine who governs and how political power is exercised. Democratization changes the rules and distribution of power within a regime.
Modernization theory: A theory linking economic and social development to changes in political institutions and behavior. It explains democratization through development, education, and social transformation.
Third wave of democratization: The global expansion of democratic transitions beginning in 1974 with Portugal's Carnation Revolution. It names the major late-twentieth-century cluster of transitions.
Democratic backsliding: The gradual weakening of democratic institutions, rights, and constraints on executive power. It reverses or erodes gains associated with democratization.
Pacted transition: A negotiated shift from authoritarian rule in which regime incumbents and opposition leaders agree on transition terms. Elite bargains can reduce the risks of opening authoritarian systems.
Political participation: Activities through which people express political preferences or influence public decisions. Broader and more equal participation is a central dimension of democratization.
Rational choice theory: An approach that explains political behavior through actors' preferences, incentives, and strategic choices. Transition theories use strategic bargains to explain why elites accept uncertainty.
Carnation Revolution: The 1974 military-led revolution in Portugal that ended the Estado Novo dictatorship and began democratization. Its overthrow of dictatorship launched the third wave.
Authoritarianism: A political system that limits meaningful competition for power and restricts political accountability. It marks the regime type democratization moves away from.

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