We develop a theory of political transitions inspired in part by the experiences of Western Europe and Latin America … relationship between inequality and redistribution is nonmonotonic; societies with intermediate levels of inequality consolidate … democracy and redistribute more than both very equal and very unequal countries. We also show that asset redistribution, such as …

In this paper we revisit the relationship between democracy, redistribution, and inequality. We first explain the … theoretical reasons why democracy is expected to increase redistribution and reduce inequality, and why this expectation may fail … broadly consistent with a view that is different from the traditional median voter model of democratic redistribution …

so, they are effectively accepting a certain amount of politician (presidential) rents in return for redistribution. We … are high (which makes redistribution more valuable to the majority). We show that the main intuition, that checks and …