The Global Diffusion of Markets and Democracy

by Edited by Beth A. Simmons , Frank Dobbin , Geoffrey Garrett

• ISBN13: 9780521878890
• ISBN10: 0521878896
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-03-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The diffusion of markets and democracy around the world was a defining feature of the late twentieth century. Many social scientists view this economic and political liberalization as the product of independent choices by national governments. This book argues that policy and political changes were influenced heavily by prior actions of external actors: not just other governments, but international organizations and communities of experts. Drawing together insights from economics, sociology, political science and international relations, the contributors focus on four mechanisms by which markets and democracy have diffused through interdependent decision-making: coercion and the impact of powerful countries and international actors; economic competition for markets and investment; learning from experiences of other countries; and emulation among countries. These mechanisms are tested empirically using sophisticated quantitative techniques in areas as diverse as capital account and investment policy, human rights and democratization, and government downsizing, privatization and taxation.

Table of Contents

Introduction: the diffusion of liberalization

Tax policy in an era of internationalization: an assessment of a conditional diffusion model of the spread of neoliberalism

The decision to privatize: economists and the construction of ideas and policies

The international diffusion of public sector downsizing: network emulation and theory-driven learning

Global ideology and voter sentiment as determinants of international financial liberalization

Competing for capital: the diffusion of bilateral investment treaties, 1960-2000

Diffusion and the spread of democratic institutions

World society and human rights: an event history analysis of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Conclusion

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