Where Does Democracy Come From?

I've been thinking about this question for the last few days. I would love to know what other thoughtful people think about it.

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How does a society move from authoritarian government to democracy? (using the broadest definition of democracy: roughly "of the people, by the people and for the people.")

1) Has any country ever moved directly from totalitarianism to something approximating democracy without going through at least a generation of something else in between? Is there more than one path to democracy? Are there prerequisites for democracy to work, and what are they?

2) Is it ever possible to impose democracy on another country? (leaving aside the question of whether or not it is desirable. The question is: is it possible?)

3) Is it possible for one country to foster democracy in another country, while still leaving it up to them when or if they want to take the step?


These are not rhetorical questions or invitations to a polemic. Surprisingly, the answer to #2 is "yes." There is one obvious example. It took me quite a while to think of it, but Richard got it immediately.

Best Skating Rink Ever

Oh. My. God. The Centennial Lakes Park skating rink is the cat's pajamas, the bee's knees, totally awesome. And it's FREE.

First of all, it's huge; really 3 man-made lakes linked together by channels snaking under picturesque bridges. The warming house is bigger than some ice rinks I've seen, with vaulted ceilings, a concession stand, comfy furniture and TWO real wood-burning fireplaces! The hours are long, the piped-in music is classical, and the ice is pretty decent (despite signs apologizing for the fact that the ice hasn't been thick enough for them to use their Zamboni yet). Best of all - even better than the Taj Mahal of a warming house - this rink actually has benches on the ice, so you can sit down to tighten your skates without having to clump all the way back inside! This is the first ice rink I have ever seen in Minnesota that has that commonsense touch.

I would've like to have skated longer, but my lower back was tired from a gym workout yesterday. Tomorrow is supposed to be really cold; maybe I'll go back on Tuesday evening on my way home from work.