“In order to understand the new phenomenon of rapidly developing democracies, this project set out to examine the relationship, between political democracy, on the one hand, and inclusive economic growth on the other, in much greater detail than is usually possible. Based on workshops held in Delhi, Rio and Johannesburg; a dozen papers and three country reports commissioned from scholars in all three countries; and the contribution and advice from four different think tanks, this report looks at the achievements of the past twenty-five years, and particularly at the progress made which is often not sufficiently acknowledged either within these countries or by outsiders. The report then examines more deeply the problem of corruption; one of the most difficult challenges faced by all three countries, and examines how the institutions of democracy are coping with it. Thirdly, we include a discussion of the challenges facing the three societies today. Like many countries in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, India, Brazil, and South Africa have entered a difficult new phase in their development. All three need a new wave of (remarkably similar) bold reforms— further market liberalisation, more effective education and other social policies as well as a deepening and strengthening of political institutions—in order to return to higher, more inclusive growth and ensure political stability.”
