The quality of democracy in Europe: Soviet illegitimacy and the negotiated revolutions of 1989

Abstract: The 'Quality of Democracy' is a meta-level research programme, the rise of which is tied to the events of 1989 in a structural and ideational sense. Democracy, as a concept, has spread widely and external threats have become almost non-existent. Thus, research of democracy has turned inward in attempting to appraise its quality. Upon examination, however, it is clear that the research programme falls short of its promise. It is insufficiently comparative both conceptually and historically. Proponents seem captivated by the 'end of history' narrative in their adherence to a single standard 'liberal' democratic quality by which all regimes are assessed and ranked. Symptomatically, observers both East and West imagine Eastern European democracies as backsliding, claiming that new democracies must be externally assisted. Singular notions of good democracy lead to poor research. Consequently, it is suggested that the 'Quality of Democracy' research programme must become more reflexive.

Object Details

• Alternative title: Demokratiequalität in Europa: sowjetische Illegitimität und die Revolutionen von 1989
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource, 19 S.
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion ; nicht begutachtet

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Working Paper Series of the Research Network 1989 ; Bd. 4

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Politik

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Berlin
• (when): 2008
• Creator: Armbruster, Chris

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-15686
• Rights: Open Access unbekannt; Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:26 AM CEST