This paper explores why former British plantation colonies have relatively high levels of democracy through an analysis of one positive case (Mauritius) and one negative case (Guyana). The analysis finds that Mauritius developed an effective democratic system during the final years of...

Crossnational statistical studies show a positive relationship between the length of time a country has been democratic and its economic performance. Old democracies grow faster, ceteris paribus, and also demonstrate advantages in some economic policies thought to be conducive to growth....