Explores the political dynamics of the recent wave of democratization in developing societies. Within a broad comparative perspective, the text focuses on the particular experiences of four countries - South Korea, Ghana, Zambia and Chile. The contributors assess the likelihood of sustaining new democratic regimes and discuss the feasibility of the promotion of democratization by outside parties. The text also addresses the complex practical issues of establishing and consolidating democratic political institutions, as well as important topics such as military power, the role of civil society and the position of women in relation to democracy.