DEMOCRATIZATION AND PEACE

Democracy Is a Social Construct

Democracy Includes

    Selection of Representatives to Government
    Works for Common Good through Pluralism
    Promotes Well Being

Democratization Processes Are Cyclic

    Post-authoritarian
    Post-colonial
    Majority World

Dangers Associated with Imposition

    United States
    UN and the International Community
    Local Elites

Violence and Democratization

    Direct Violence
    Structural Violence
    Cultural Violence

Psychology and Democratization

“…building cultures of peace requires psychological informed work that respects local culture and embodies critical awareness of the power dynamics in working in countries in the Majority World…” (Montiel & Wessells, 2001, p. 124).

    Bi-directionality of Psychological and Political Processes

    Multi-level Role for Psychology

        Interstate
        Intrastate
        Political Collectives
        Individual

Future Directions

    Expand Focus to Include Social Change
    Increase Multidisciplinary Cooperation
    Develop Intellectuals from Within

DISCUSSION:

➢    Is democracy necessary for peace and is it possible to establish an indigenous form of democracy in some communities?

➢    How can citizens who are inexperienced with democracy become aware, informed, empowered, and engaged in democratic processes?