Case for Democracy Report

Abstract

This Case for Democracy (C4D) Report highlights the following 10 key scientific research findings:

1 Democratization leads to economic growth – on average 20% higher GDP per capita after 25 years. Democracies also avoid the more catastrophic economic outcomes that characterize many autocracies.
2 Transitioning to democracy leads on average, to over 100% increase in social protection spending.
3 Democracies with strong accountability mechanisms provide 23% more safe water access, 35% more immunization to young children, and up to 40% more electricity access, than autocracies.
4 Democracy improves human development. For example, a high level of democracy leads to 94% less infant mortality than in dictatorships.
5 Democracy increases education: Moving from a full autocracy to a full democracy corresponds to 70% increase in secondary enrollment – but it is unclear if education spending or quality is affected.
6 Democratic countries have better gender equality and more women engaged in politics – and increased participation of women in politics reduces risk of conflicts and wars.
7 Democracies do not wage wars against each other and see much lower risks of conflict and instability than autocracies. Autocratization leads to more wars and conflicts.
8 Corruption diminishes as democracy matures with fully free and fair elections and freedom of expression including media freedom.
9 Democracies consistently perform better than autocracies when it comes to committing to and delivering policy on climate change mitigation.
10 Yet, democracy does not in general lead to lower levels of economic inequality.

Keywords: democracy, autocracy