This makes it difficult for the Mexican government to control corruption, limit the economic consequences of political shocks and prevent the shifts in political power which occur at the end of each sexenio from destabilising the economy. Badredine Arfi Understanding the complex interplay between democratization and communal politics is a crucial issue for students of democracy and political practitioners. Political liberalization can exacerbate communal politics, which can then bring setbacks to democratization, even violent conflict. As prospects of political liberalization grow in a society marked by a lack of agreement on the form of the state, communal politics will shape inter-group relations. The dilemma is rooted in two, potentially mutually conflicting imperatives.
Democratization requires group leaders to engage in compromise and negotiation.
The argument is applied to case studies that compare Algeria and South Africa. In the course of regime change in multiethnic societies there arises a critical juncture at which dominant ethnic groups must decide whether to accommodate minorities. Such critical junctures are called 'generosity moments'. It is hypothesized that a generous, liberal approach towards minorities is the best way to ensure a peaceful transition, earn the democratic consent of minorities, and secure the legitimacy of the state. This study finds that the structuring of ethnicity has a relatively stronger causal role to play than leadership variables in determining political outcomes.