Reading Tocqueville in Venezuela

The works of Alexis de Tocqueville clarify much of the confusion that exists in contemporary analyses of democratization, particularly in relation to democratic backsliding. This paper highlights two advantages to a Tocquevillian reading of Bolivarian Venezuela (1999-present). His concept of democracy is not limited to political regime and it is very aware of the limits of democracy and democratization. This helps understand how efforts to democratize democracy can lead to democratic breakdown.