Examining the role of elections and top-down democracy promotion in Africa, this book focuses on how and why electoral contests are associated with division and violence. It considers whether the Western political model has failed developing countries, in what ways, and how this has affected people’s lives.

Providing historical analyses of colonization, liberalism, and democracy, John A. Doces challenges the prevailing notions of liberal democracy and instead identifies its promotion as a form of political control and the latest manifestation of the colonial endeavor. Utilizing original data from 11 African case studies, the book finds that non-Western countries do not have the foundations to support competitive processes like democratic elections, which are associated with spikes in violence and fear. Adopting a comparative approach, Doces concludes that imposing Western liberal democracy upon developing societies inflicts harm that persists over time, limiting rather than promoting prosperity.

This topical book is invaluable for students and scholars of international relations, political science and public policy, security studies, democracy, regulation and governance, and development studies. Its empirical research will also be of use to policymakers and advisors working in developing countries.