'Good' and 'Bad' democracies: How to conduct research into the quality of democracy

Abstract

The analysis of the quality of democracy requires a joint definition of democratic quality- that is, a definition of 'good' and 'bad' democracies. Its complex nature necessitates the introduction of five principal dimensions - the rule of law, accountability, responsiveness, freedom and equality/solidarity - for empirical definition of the democratic quality and, more importantly, for the identification of the factors that subvert the democratic balance in old and new regimes. This analytical framework differs from other studies by advancing the importance of combining both quantitative and qualitative measures in studying the quality of democracy. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.