On the state, democratization and some conceptual problems: A Latin American view with glances at some postcommunist countries

Abstract

The article argues that for proper understanding of many processes of democratization, current conceptions of the state must be revised, especially with reference to its legal dimension. On this basis several contrasts are drawn between representative, consolidated democracies and the democratic (i.e., polyarchical) forms that are emerging in most newly democratized countries, East and South. From this perspective, various phenomena not presently theorized (except as deviations from a presumed modal pattern of democratization) are discussed. Concepts such as delegative democracy, low-intensity citizenship and a state which combines strong democratic and authoritarian features are introduced for the purpose of that discussion.