ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book defines democratic quality as consisting of control, equality and freedom. A generalizable concept of democratic efficacy is provisionally outlined, which assumes that democracy's ability to produce desired and intended climate performance increases concomitantly with rising levels of democratic quality. The book develops the bases for the analyses and starts with an evaluation of the relevance and the focus of the research. Based on this, a conceptual framework can be developed, including definitions, an outline of the concept of democratic efficacy and methods. The book comprises panel regressions as analysis I and a case study of Canada's Kyoto Protocol process as analysis II. It forges synergy beyond the two single analyses by interconnecting findings and formulating research gaps and policy recommendations as well as an overall conclusion.
