Conclusion: Toward a Substantive Democracy

Abstract

Two principal objectives of this book were outlined at the outset: first, as one of constructing a comprehensive synthesis of the notions of democratization, transparency, accountability and corruption; and second, as one of linking democratization processes to the policies of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption. Overall, the book has pondered whether an early and explicit focus on transparency, accountability and corruption control as integral pillars of democratization, rather than as appendages of the quality of consolidating democracies, could lead to healthier and more substantive democratization processes.