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The Role of Protestantism in Democratic Consolidation Among Transitional States
Rollin F. Tusalem*
Arkansas State University
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: rtusalem{at}astate.edu.
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Abstract |
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Previous studies have examined the causal link between Protestantism and democratization, primarily in shaping a nation-state’s cultural ethos and its tendency to affect the outcome of democratic politics. Historically, Protestantism has also been linked to generating a political culture that promotes individualism, tolerance, the pluralism of ideas, and civic associationalism. Recent empirical evidence also shows how Protestant countries are more likely to be democratic compared to largely Islamic and Catholic states. Drawing from established cultural theories, the author empirically tests the argument whether or not transitional states with larger Protestant populations are more likely to strengthen their democracies. Findings indicate that transitional states that have higher Protestant populations are more likely to have higher levels of voice and accountability, political stability, citizenship empowerment, and civil society pluralism. The author contends that transitional states with higher Protestant populations are more likely to consolidate their democracies.
First published on January 30, 2009, doi:10.1177/0010414008330596
Comparative Political Studies 2009;42:882.
A more recent version of this article appeared on July 1, 2009
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