This book addresses one of the classical concerns of comparative politics: the formation and maintenance of stable democracies. How have political scientists analyzed democracy? What are the ideas and ideals that are contained in the concept of "democracy"? How are notions of sovereignty, territoriality, nation, multiculturalism, representation, rights of individuals, of groups and of communities implicated in our understanding of "democracy"? What institutional manifestations have these ideas, ideals and theoretical constructs in the "real world"? How will "democracy" and democratic institutions develop or change as the new millennium gets underway? Written by a specially commissioned group of international experts, the chapters provide, not crystal ball gazing, but an attempt at detecting socio-political trends, highlighting chances for further democratization and dangers for democratic stability. The chapters not only inform, but also bristle with stimulating ideas and insights, challenging the reader to draw up his or her own "balance sheet" of democracy and democratic rule. This book should be of interest to students of comparative politics and democratization as well as to the general reader concerned with democratic developments in the 21st century.