This International IDEA Handbook tackles the question of how democracies can deliver social and economic rights, include all citizens in decision making and reduce poverty.

The Handbook is presented as a two-volume set that explores ways in which democratic practice can contribute to the management of contemporary conflicts and promote the realization of security and development objectives.

Volume 1 contains analysis and recommendations based on wide-ranging research and evaluation of lessons from democratization processes. Volume 2 presents essays and case studies by leading specialists that further develop the themes and findings presented in Volume 1.

Democracy, Conflict and Human Security argues that effective democracy building moves beyond the process of elections and technical assistance and examines how democratic practice relates to human security. Governments may hold free elections but fall short in other democratic measures such as the separation of powers, the freedom of the press, and guarantees of human rights.

These two volumes are aimed at practitioners, parliamentarians, politicians, government officials and policymakers concerned with social exclusion, the quality of democracy and new forms of authoritarian regimes. They are intended to be a basis for continued debate, dialogue and options for change.