The Democratic Window of Opportunity: Evidence from Riots in Sub-Saharan Africa
Change log
Authors
Aidt, TS
Leon, G
Abstract
jats:p We show that drought-induced changes in the intensity of riots lead to moves toward democracy in sub-Saharan Africa and that these changes are often a result of concessions made as a result of the riots. This provides evidence that low-intensity conflict can have a substantial short-run impact on democratic change and supports the “window of opportunity” hypothesis: droughts lead to an increase in the threat of conflict, and incumbents often respond by making democratic concessions. </jats:p>
Description
Keywords
riots, drought, transitions, democracy, autocracy
Journal Title
Journal of Conflict Resolution
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
0022-0027
1552-8766
1552-8766
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher DOI
Rights
DSpace@Cambridge license