Transitions Lecture Series: The Role of Economics in Democratic Transitions

An Event Series by the International Forum for Democratic Studies, co-sponsored with the Legatum Institute

A wave of democratic transitions has swept the globe. Many have shown long-term promise, while others have faltered. Due to the focus on political process, the crucial role of economic reform is all too often marginalized, which can stifle or reverse democratic momentum. While each case differs, are there lessons to be learned for current and future transitions?

The Transitions Lecture Series is a joint initiative of the International Forum for Democratic Studies with the Legatum Institute, Foreign Policy, Democracy Lab, and World Affairs that will explore the link between economic reform and political transitions.

This series invites prominent economic and development experts to highlight the importance of economic factors during times of political transitions in new democracies by giving a public lecture and publishing a written case study.

Meetings and Papers

JAN 29, 2013

Lecture and Discussion
The Role of Economics in Democratic Transitions: Burma

National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004
4:00–5:30 pm

Introduction: Brian Joseph, Senior Director for Asia and Global Programs, National Endowment for Democracy

Speaker: Gwen Robinson, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok

Moderator: Anne Applebaum, Director, Global Transitions, Legatum Institute

Conference Paper

Myanmar’s Transition: Economics of Politics? Which came first and why it matters

By Gwen Robinson

November 2014

Published by the Legatum Institute
With the International Forum for Democratic Studies and World Affairs

OCT 17, 2013

Lecture and Discussion
The Role of Economics in Democratic Transitions: Kenya

National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004
4:00–5:30 p.m.

Introduction: John Sullivan, Executive Director, Center for International Private Enterprise

Speaker: Carole Kariuki, CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

Moderator: Peter Lewis, Associate Professor and Director of the African Studies Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies