A passionate argument that America should — indeed, must — promote democracy throughout the world. But not alone. And certainly not by force.

What are the future prospects for freedom around the world in the aftermath of the Iraq war? How has the international political landscape changed in the last few decades? In this bold analysis, social scientist Larry Diamond examines how and why democracy progresses.

In 1974, he notes, nearly three-quarters of all countries were ruled by dictators; today, more than half are democracies. Yet efforts to promote democracy have not always succeeded, and many democratic governments are in peril. Diamond shows that popular demand for democratic government is strong and that even seemingly solid regimes can become democratic within a generation. The Spirit of Democracy also examines the factors behind faltering democracy in countries like Russia and Venezuela and sounds a cautionary note about the importance of consistency and cooperation in American attempts to promote democracy abroad.

To reinvigorate democracies the world over, Diamond urges support for the civil society fundamentals that promote democratic government. Enforcing the rule of law and anti-corruption measures, providing security and the protection of individual rights, ensuring free civic organizations and shared wealth — these tasks can help secure the spirit of democracy. In a time of post-Iraq doubt and pessimism, Diamond argues passionately that democratic ideals are both necessary and achievable.

Larry Diamond is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and founding coeditor of the Journal of Democracy. During the first three months of 2004, Diamond served as a senior adviser on governance to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad. He is the author of several books, including Squandered Victory: The American Occupation and the Bungled Effort to Bring Democracy to Iraq.