In Importing Democracy, Julie Fisher explores how democracy is developing in South Africa, Tajikistan, and Argentina. She uses Robert Dahl's definition of democracy including three dimensions - political opposition, public participation, and law-based civil liberty. Fisher's focus is on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contributing to these dimensions, instead of governmental initiatives, like the United States invasion of Iraq and failed export of democracy to that country. The historical, political, and economic context of each country is described. General contours of civil society, then the role of democratization NGOs in promoting both loyal opposition and law-based civil liberties are addressed. Following the nine country chapters, the book concludes with a comparative overview and implications for international policy.

Each of the three countries have a different starting point, set of democratization forces, and outlook. South Africa is promising. Many Tajik NGOs are weak, but there is evidence that they do well when they concentrate on Tajikistan's strongest local democratic traditions and institutions. Although Argentina is lacking words for accountability, much less legal accountability, democratization NGOs help strengthen government institutions at both the local and national levels. The author is open-minded and critical of the influences of AIDS and poverty, ad Peronism. The fate of democratization ultimately depends on the state, on civil society, and on the relationship between them.

The many names and examples in the book will not be remembered by heart, the main findings, conclusions and recommendations are far more important. The book provides insight in the inner workings and practical consequences of the active role NGOs play in further democratization of countries. ( )