What facilitated the return to multi-party democracy?

The return to multi-party democracy was facilitated by internal pressures, international influences, and the end of the Cold War.

The transition back to multi-party democracy in many countries was a complex process influenced by a variety of factors. One of the key facilitators was internal pressure from citizens and civil society groups. In many cases, these groups were dissatisfied with the existing political system and demanded change. They organised protests, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience to express their dissatisfaction and to push for political reform. This internal pressure often forced the ruling party to negotiate and to make concessions, which in turn paved the way for the return of multi-party democracy.

International influences also played a significant role in facilitating the return to multi-party democracy. Many countries were influenced by the democratic transitions taking place in other parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall. The spread of democratic ideals and practices often encouraged and inspired similar movements in other countries. Moreover, international organisations and foreign governments often provided support to democratic movements, either directly through funding and other forms of assistance, or indirectly through diplomatic pressure on authoritarian regimes.

The end of the Cold War was another crucial factor that facilitated the return to multi-party democracy. The ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union had previously provided support for many authoritarian regimes, as both superpowers were often willing to back undemocratic governments that aligned with their respective ideologies. However, with the end of the Cold War, this support disappeared, leaving many authoritarian regimes vulnerable and isolated. This often created an opening for democratic movements to push for change.

In addition, the economic crises that many countries experienced in the 1980s and 1990s also contributed to the return of multi-party democracy. These crises often undermined the legitimacy of authoritarian regimes and created a sense of urgency for political reform. In many cases, the return to multi-party democracy was seen as a way to address these economic challenges and to restore stability and prosperity.