Why have some post-colonial states established durable democracies whereas others frequently oscillate between fragile democracies and autocracies? Understanding the conditions under which post-colonial states created and consolidated democratic regimes is of critical importance to political scientists and policymakers alike. This seminar addresses this question by asking why India and Pakistan―two states with shared cultural patterns and a shared colonial history, identical timings of democratization and similar levels of economic development―quickly established different kinds of regimes.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.