The Theory of Collective Response

By Lexington Books
Updated: 01/25/2010

2010_1_25_FT_Prev_Rev_Coups2_IRIN_photoBy Charles Sampford and Margaret Palmer. Lexington Books, 2005.

This opening chapter in a longer work chronicles the deficiencies in international law and international response to coups d’état in developing democracies. By recognizing the principle of “effective control” as opposed to “consent of the governed” as indicators of regime sovereignty and legitimacy, the international community and international law fail to discourage unconstitutional changes in government and anti-democratic behavior in developing countries. The authors propose practical options to influence and intervene when democracy is threatened in developing countries.

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