Modernization theory posits that economic development leads to social mobilization, demands for representation, and ultimately democracy. The starting point for the process of political development, then is clearly economic development. This has been at the basis of many countries aid policies give money to jump start growth, whether targeted or targeted aid. But, more recent research into the relationship between economic development and political development indicate that while there is a correlation, causality is harder to establish. The reverse relationship that democracy leads to economic development is also contested, so building democratic institutions is no guarantee that economic development will follow. Indeed, some scholarship indicates that democracy has little or possibly even a negative effect on economic growth. With reference to two or more countries or regions in our class (China, Russia, Eastern Europe) (the readings I provided have referenced several countries and regions. You may choose whatever you feel most comfortable with), what do you understand the relationship to be, if any, between democracy and development? Does economic development more reliably lead to democracy or does democracy more reliably lead to development or is there no causal relationship whatsoever?
