ABSTRACT
In recent decades, one cannot have failed to notice the spread of Western liberal democracy throughout the world, whether in Eastern Europe or many parts of the Third World. Yet, the ascent of liberal democracy has been accompanied by ‘ethnic’ nationalisms, religious ‘fundamentalisms’, civil wars, and genocide. Furthermore, much like in the West, in those developing countries with already well-entrenched liberal democratic regimes, there has been growing public dissatisfaction with democratic institutions. This unease is evidenced by such phenomena as the rise of popular protest and social movements, lower voter turnout, and the inability of public institutions to adequately meet citizens’ demands and needs.
