ABSTRACT
In all societies considered in this volume a basic tension exists between dominant-party rule and democracy. Democracy in the final analysis rests on countervailing power able to check tendencies toward authoritarian domination. The best counter is undoubtedly the presence of a strong opposition party that can guard against the erosion of the autonomy of democratic institutions and can replace a governing party that has outstayed its welcome. The development of opposition to authoritarian rule has traditionally been associated with the rise of a middle class; by contrast, the transitions literature covering the new democracies of the past two decades emphasised the role of trade unions. Generally unions have assisted in hastening the departure of authoritarian regimes, but have been less successful in helping to sustain a competitive democracy.
