Focusing on the dynamics of democratization in late-developing countries, the book highlights the crucial roles of social forces, particularly the reluctance of capital and labor to support democratic transitions. It argues that unique conditions of late development hinder class commitment to democracy, leading empowered groups to align with authoritarianism instead. Through a detailed examination of Tunisia and comparisons with countries like Mexico and Egypt, the author explores how state-sponsored industrialization can reshape state-society relations and challenge authoritarian power, even amid stalled democracy.
