Problem
I. To get started choose a state that will provide the focal point for your paper. They may be democratic, partially democratic, newly democratizing, non-democratic, or a failed states. This will be your case study. You may choose to focus on a contemporary case study or a historical case. Choose your state carefully. Try to select a case study that interests you and one that allows you to apply what we are learning in class to explore democracy and the process of democratization in greater depth.
II. Start developing your research question.
For example consider:
i. Is the state in your case study democratic, newly democratizing, partially democratic, or non-democratic?
ii. In your view should this state be more democratic? Why? Why not?
iii. What are the benefits of democratization for this state? What are the dangers?
iv. What conditions support democracy and democratization in this state? What are the obstacles to achieving democracy?
v. What are the challenges of getting and keeping a democratic system?
vi. How does this apply to your case study?
vii. What lesson(s) about democracy and the processes of democratization can be learned from your case study?
III. Think about what recommendations you would make with respect to the future of democracy and democratization in this state based on what you have learned about democracy in this course and how this applies to the state in your case study.