ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the varying approaches of the major studies in democratization and argues that more theoretical attention must be given to the role that foreign assistance plays in the democratization process of states which are recipients of donor aid. It identifies the importance of the civil service and the legal system as sectors that are critical to the consolidation of democratization. The chapter offers a case study of democratization during Namibia's early years of independence that analyzes the role of foreign assistance donors in the civil service. Many donors initially focus their efforts on assisting the democratization of legal institutions that will protect fair contestation among elites and also work to root out corruption among elite decision makers. The new Namibian government's appointments to high legal positions have been widely applauded. Merit and impartiality, not loyalty, appeared to be the criteria for appointments.
