Democratization has so far undergone three waves and two reverse waves. These waves of democratization have introduced countries to democracy. The first wave of democratization started in 1828 and lasted until 1926 (Huntington, pg.16). This was followed by the first reverse wave which lasted until 1942 (Huntington, pg.16). This was followed by the second wave that started towards the end of World War Two and lasted until the 1960s. The second wave also encountered a reverse wave that lasted from 195-1975 (Huntington, pg.16). The third wave began in 1974 and has continued to present times. In each of these waves different forms of government were created and destroyed with many different paths being taken. Samuel Huntington has examined these waves, particularly the third wave and has come up with three different paths that democratization can follow, transformation, replacement, and transplacement. Through an examination of each of these pathways to democratization it can be shown that each path is unique and has its own mechanism, with each having their own potential of achieving democracy.
Transformation is
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Out of these three ways to democracy transformations are the most popular with sixteen transformations occurring during the third wave. This strategy could be the most popular for five reasons, the authoritarian leaders see it as a good time to leave, reduce the risk/fate that might occur when they eventually fall, they believe that they will not lose office in elections, they believe that democratization has benefits, it is the right thing to do for their county (Huntington, pg.128). While countries do not necessarily have to follow one of these paths, these paths offer the best solution and chance for achieving