Democracy from Above

The book examines the influence of regional organizations on democratic transitions, challenging the prevailing view that domestic politics are the primary determinants. By analyzing six case studies—Hungary, Peru, Greece, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Turkey—Jon Pevehouse highlights how domestic elites leverage regional memberships to foster democracy, manipulating incentives for key societal groups like business and military. The findings connect international relations with comparative politics, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to utilize regional organizations to support democratic development.