The promotion of democracy is enjoying something of a boom. Since the collapse of communism above all the US government’s reaction to the attacks of 11 September 2001 has given new impetus to this strategy. Of course, long-term approaches like the American National Security Strategy, which aim at global political and economic freedom, clash in the war against terror with short-term alliances with powers which do not share these goals in any way (for example, authoritarian regimes in allied Islamic countries). Nevertheless, democratisation remains a cornerstone of any strategy which seeks a sustainable reduction in violent conflicts in the world in the long run.

Promotion of democracy or democratisation is difficult. External actors’ possibilities as regards exerting an influence on political transition processes are limited, and there is no simple model of recipes, aims and instruments to follow. The democratisation of previously authoritarian or even totalitarian regimes requires a redistribution and limitation of power, while the social, political and economic power structures in each country are different. At the same time, democratisation describes a process in which starting points and strategies must be constantly redefined and adapted, and tested for counterproductive effects.

Democracy promotion should on the whole prepare to be patient. Its possibilities for exerting influence are modest, although they increase hand in hand with a long-term commitment. Where it is able to establish formal democracy, with a constitution and free elections, it must count on their being undermined if fundamental societal power relations and income distribution remain unchanged. To change this by means of economic development requires long-term and pragmatic action which cannot rely solely on free markets, but also demands development-oriented state action and the elites’ commitment to development. Political intervention must be closely linked to economic approaches and continually monitor the development of power relations. Lasting democratisation requires wider diffusion of resources in society, a competent state in order to protect rights and impose obligations, and a public space in which a societal discourse can develop which controls the exercise of power.