Underlying these changes in political systems was a massive social transformation as well. The shift to democracy was a result of millions of formerly passive individuals around the world organizing themselves and participating in the political life of their societies. This social mobilization was driven by a host of factors: greatly expanded access to education that made people more aware of themselves and the political world around them; information technology, which facilitated the rapid spread of ideas and knowledge; cheap travel and communications that allowed people to vote with their feet if they didn't like their government; and greater prosperity, which induced people to demand better protection of their rights.
The third wave crested after the late 1990s, however, a ‘democratic recession' emerged in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Approximately one in five countries that had been part of the third wave either reverted to authoritarianism or saw a significant erosion of democratic institutions. Freedom house noted that 2009 marked the fourth consecutive year in which freedom had declined around the world, the first time this had happened since it established its measures of freedom in 1973. [279 words]
(Extracted from The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama)
Third Wave Democratization: Passage Context
The passage examines global political transformations, specifically identifying a period as the 'third wave of democratization'. This era, spanning from 1973 onwards, marked a significant global shift in governance systems, as described by Francis Fukuyama in 'The Origins of Political Order'.
Drivers of the Third Wave
The text highlights that this wave was not just about political systems changing, but also about a fundamental 'social transformation'. It explains that millions of previously passive individuals began organizing and actively participating in their societies. This 'social mobilization' was fueled by several factors, including:
- Increased access to education, leading to greater awareness.
- Information technology, facilitating the rapid spread of ideas.
- Affordable travel and communications, offering more freedom.
- Greater prosperity, empowering people to demand better protection of their rights.
Mobilization Leads to Political Change
The passage directly links this widespread citizen organization and demand for rights to the 'shift to democracy'. This suggests that the 'third wave of democratization' inherently involves the active participation of citizens asserting their needs and seeking fundamental freedoms. The emphasis is on the collective action of people demanding their entitlements.
Civil Rights Connection
The description of citizens organizing themselves and demanding 'better protection of their rights' strongly resonates with the core principles and activities of global civil rights movements. Such movements are fundamentally about people uniting to secure their rights and achieve political equality. Therefore, the 'third wave of democratization' can be understood, based on this passage, as being deeply rooted in, or characterized by, the broader societal push for rights and freedoms embodied by movements like the civil rights movement.
Passage Interpretation of the Third Wave
In essence, the passage portrays the 'third wave of democratization' as a phenomenon driven by profound social changes where citizen engagement and the assertion of rights were paramount. The active role of people organizing and demanding their entitlements makes 'The global movement for civil rights' a relevant interpretation of the underlying forces behind this significant political transformation.
Similar Questions
- From the passage it is evident that:
- Which of the statements is true?
- Which of the following can be inferred as the most significant characteristic of prehistoric humans, as per the passage?
- Which of the following best explains why humans did not initially stand out among other organisms?
- The passage explains the concept of species classification by
- Which of the following aspects is most critical in understanding Freedom House's evaluation process?
- What does the phrase 'vote with their feet' imply in the context of the passage?
- Which of the following was not mentioned as a factor contributing to social mobilization and the shift to democracy?
- According to this passage, when was the first time the freedom had declined around the world
- Which literary device is most evident in the narrator's line: “one might think the Disposer of All Things sought his counsel in every decision”?
Important Questions from Non Grammar
- From the passage it is evident that:
- Which of the statements is true?
- Which of the following can be inferred as the most significant characteristic of prehistoric humans, as per the passage?
- Which of the following best explains why humans did not initially stand out among other organisms?
- The passage explains the concept of species classification by
