Democracy in the commonwealth Caribbean

Abstract

The Caribbean has the reputation of being the most democratic region in the developing world. Nearly all the states can be defined as liberal democratic, and in the Commonwealth Caribbean most of the countries have known no other type of political regime in the last 30 or so years. Recent studies that have evaluated the durability and effectiveness of democracy there, as measured by political rights, civil liberties, competitive elections, responsible government and the like, have reached positive conclusions. At the same time, qualifications have been entered as to the future prospects. The multiple challenges now facing the region are seen as putting severe strains on democracy, and some of the countries might not cope well. The argument here is that democracy will survive in the Commonwealth Caribbean but it may not survive everywhere.