“The evidence from three important
rising democracies makes it clear: there is no need to give up individual rights and freedoms in order to achieve growth
or to expand opportunities for the majority of citizens. On the contrary, the experiences of India, Brazil, and South
Africa demonstrate that the expansion and strengthening of democratic institutions can pave the way for a second wave of reforms needed to ensure steady high growth and to increase opportunities for the poor. If these countries can
harness the energy and vitality of democratic processes to push for effective policies, if their politicians adopt and can sell market reforms and sustainable programmes which will expand opportunities further, then a democratic alternative
will emerge from these countries in the global South.”
