Alexander has written a remarkable book that challenges some received wisdoms. Theoretically innovative, founded on solid research and much incontrovertible evidence, The Sources of Democratic Consolidation is a real and significant contribution to the existing literature. Indeed, it does so by going well beyond most of this literature.
"Despite the author's intention, he has produced a book of social science that turns into a fine rehabilitation of history."—Foreign Affairs, Vol. 81, No. 3
"Alexander offers an excellent contribution to the literature examining how and why new democracies become consolidated. In essence, the author argues persuasively the genuine consolidation occurs only when powerful segments of society have become convinced that their opponents will predictably refrain from using democratic rules to seriously harm their core assets or values."—J. M. Scolnick Jr., University of Virginia's College at Wise, Choice Magazine, 40:2, October 2002.
"This is an important work that should be of interest to everyone working in the field of democratic transition and consolidation."—Eddie Hyland, Trinity College Dublin, Democratization 10:2, Summer 2003
"Alexander has written a remarkable book that challenges some received wisdoms. Theoretically innovative, founded on solid research and much incontrovertible evidence, The Sources of Democratic Consolidation is a real and significant contribution to the existing literature. Indeed, it does so by going well beyond most of this literature."—Gianfranco Pasquino, University of Bologna, Perspectives on Politics 1:2, June 2003
"This book. . . . should command a wide audience. Students of democratization and Western European politics will find it a useful addition to their libraries. Indeed, it would also be a useful book to assign in graduate seminars on research design and comparative politics. The Sources of Democratic Consolidation nicely illustrates the strengths and limitations of the rational choice approach to comparative politics."—Christopher Kam, University of South Carolina, Canadian Journal of Political Science
"Alexander takes on one of the important issues in the contemporary world: the transformation of failed regimes into stable democracies. His analytical sophistication is a model of social science. His approach provides answers to ongoing puzzles about the political and economic success of so many countries in Europe, and it offers guidance to understanding development worldwide."—Margaret Levi, Bacharach Professor of International Studies, University of Washington
