The Influence of the Type of Dominant Party on Democracy : A Comparison Between South Africa and Malaysia

Dominant parties and democracies - are they really strange bedfellows? Malte Kaßner sheds light on the relation between one-party dominance and democracy from a comparative perspective. The study examines the key question how different types of dominant parties influence democracy in multicultural societies with the help of two case studies: South Africa and Malaysia. Both countries are characterized by an ethnically, linguistically and religiously plural society. The author analyses the two dominant parties African National Congress (ANC) and United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and their implications on democracy in the two countries. The outcome suggests that one-party dominance per se cannot be assessed as beneficial or harmful for democratic development. Rather, dominant parties deserve a stronger analytical differentiation. Causal patterns contribute to such a differentiation. Contents Different types of dominant parties Organization of dominant parties Character and impacts of ideological concepts Behavioural norms of dominant parties Effects on the type of democracy Target groups Researchers and students in political science Strategists of political parties Political analysts and commentators Author Malte Kaßner is freelance coach and consultant for development co-operations worldwide. "Dominant parties and democracies -- are they really strange bedfellows? Malte Kaßner sheds light on the relation between one-party dominance and democracy from a comparative perspective. The study examines the key question how different types of dominant parties influence democracy in multicultural societies with the help of two case studies: South Africa and Malaysia. Both countries are characterized by an ethnically, linguistically and religiously plural society. The author analyses the two dominant parties African National Congress (ANC) and United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and their implications on democracy in the two countries. The outcome suggests that one-party dominance per se cannot be assessed as beneficial or harmful for democratic development. Rather, dominant parties deserve a stronger analytical differentiation. Causal patterns contribute to such a differentiation"--Provided by publisher Front Matter....Pages 1-21 Introduction....Pages 23-27 Theoretical Framework....Pages 29-53 Methodology....Pages 55-72 Organization of the dominant parties....Pages 73-155 Character and impacts of ideologies....Pages 157-191 Behavioural norms of dominant parties....Pages 193-285 Effects on the type of democracy....Pages 287-354 Conclusion for dominant parties’ theory....Pages 355-358 Back Matter....Pages 359-384 1. Introduction -- 2. Theoretical Framework -- 3. Methodology -- 4. Organization Of The Dominant Parties -- 5. Character And Impacts Of Ideologies -- 6. Behavioural Norms Of Dominant Parties -- 7. Effects On The Type Of Democracy -- 8. Conclusion For Dominant Parties' Theory. Malte Kassner. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [359]-375) And Index.