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Title: Democratization or Repression?

Author(s): Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson

Publication Date: October 1999

Keyword(s): Democracy, Redistribution, Repression and Revolution

Programme Area(s): Public Economics

Abstract: Regimes controlled by a rich elite often collapse and make way for democracy amidst widespread social unrest. Such regime changes are often followed by redistribution to the poor at the expense of the former elite. We argue that the reason why the elite may have to resort to full-scale democratization, despite its apparent costs to themselves, may be that lesser concessions would be viewed as a sign of weakness, spurring further unrest and more radical demands. The elite may therefore be forced to choose between repression and the most generous concession, a transition to full democracy.

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Bibliographic Reference

Acemoglu, D and Robinson, J. 1999. 'Democratization or Repression?'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=2278