Description: This book challenges the assumption frequently made in academic and policy-making circles that international peace is invariably strengthened by the process of democratization. Alexander Kozhemiakin argues that during problematic democratization, when basic democratic institutions and procedures are implemented and function more or less effectively in an unconsolidated form, yet elite and societal preferences remain illiberal or become radicalized during the turbulent process of transition, international security is seriously threatened. Under these conditions, the emerging democratic attributes, most importantly free elections and executive accountability, serve as a "transmission belt" for hawkish domestic preferences, thus allowing them to shape foreign policy of the transitional regime, making it more assertive, if not aggressive. The argument is supported by case-studies of four currently democratizing nations (Russia, Ukraine, Serbia and Hungary) and a quantitative analysis of several dozen contemporary and historical cases of democratization.

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