ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks not to replicate or second-guess the empirical analysis of democracy projects and programs, but instead proceeds from the belief that to explain and improve on the situation described by the Democracy Coalition Project, strategy holds the key. A strategy for supporting democratization is not the same thing as the strategy that might lie behind the decision to give support to democratization—the reasons, motives, or policy drivers. A strategic approach could mean being highly selective in the choice of candidates—making strategic choices in the sense of prioritizing the likely winners. The 'Carnegie perspective' on democratization sees politics as activity, more specifically, conflict between groups in pursuit of their interests. The challenge of going beyond an 'outside-in' strategy of democratization support stems from the way a powerful, multi-layered 'global governance complex' is shrinking the space available for national political self-determination.
