ABSTRACT
The chapter presents a general typology of observed and possible approaches to democracy assistance. As part of the typology, theories and models of democracy are extensively discussed. General links are made between choosing an approach to democracy and the possible outcomes (i.e., the model of democracy) that each approach generates. To give an example, if a bottom-up approach (supporting civil society, political parties, individuals) to democracy assistance is chosen, it is more likely to generate a democracy based on input legitimacy and a limited role for the central government. A top-down approach, on the other hand, gives more say in the democratization process to central institutions and thereby may result in a stronger role of the government in society. The question arising from this part is, why do democracy promotion actors tend to prefer one approach over another? Based on data of OECD DAC and case studies, the chapter demonstrates the tendencies and preferences of each of the two actors in choosing their approach to democracy assistance.
