We develop a quantitative theory of repeated political transitions driven by revolts and reforms. In the model, the …

regime changes are often followed by redistribution to the poor at the expense of the former elite. We argue that the reason … why the elite may have to resort to full-scale democratization, despite its apparent costs to themselves, may be that …Regimes controlled by a rich elite often collapse and make way for democracy amidst widespread social unrest. Such …

; Political Economy ; Redistribution …

distinguishes different subgroups of a society, some of which have a potential for pursuing a redistribution of wealth in its … redistribution cycles, leading to failed states. For much the same reason, democratic constitutions contain effective measures … against redistribution cycles. Stability within non-democracies, by contrast, can be explained by the fact that commitments …

We develop a theory of political transitions inspired in part by the experiences of Western Europe and Latin America …. Nondemocratic societies are controlled by a rich elite. The initially disenfranchised poor can contest power by threatening social … unrest or revolution, and this may force the elite to democratize. Democracy may not consolidate because it is more …

We develop a theory of political transitions inspired in part by the experiences of Western Europe and Latin America …. Nondemocratic societies are controlled by a rich elite. The initially disenfranchised poor can contest power by threatening social … unrest or revolution, and this may force the elite to democratize. Democracy may not consolidate because it is more …