Michael J.G. Cain

Research Areas for St. Mary’s Projects in Political Science

 

Research Interests 

My most recent research interests have focused on problems related to democratic development in East European and Eurasian countries.  I have focused on problems of poverty in the region, problems of reforms in the economy, especially reforms of utilities, and institutional reforms associated with social welfare programs.  I have also been interested in problems of democratization for many years, especially problems of democracy in transitional environments. 

 A related research interest focuses on the role of international actors in promoting change in societies undergoing democratic transitions.  I have been especially interested in understanding the role played by the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development in democratic reforms.  An underlying theoretical question associated with this research concerns how multilateral and bilateral actors diffuse policies throughout the world. 

 

Research Areas for St. Mary’s Projects in Political Science 

My most recent research interests have focused on problems related to democratic development in East European and Eurasian states.  I have focused on problems of poverty in the region, problems of reforms in the economy, especially reforms of utilities, and institutional reforms associated with social welfare and poverty programs. 

 I have also been interested in problems of democratization for many years, especially problems of democracy in transitional environments.  Democratization is an important and fruitful area of study not only because of its obvious policy implications but also because political scientists do not yet fully understand the interrelationships of critical elements in democracy, the preconditions for democratic consolidation, the dynamics of market development with democratic transitions, and the role of external assistance in promoting democracy. 

 I approach these issues from empirical and policy perspectives and welcome students who have an interest in these types of issues regardless of their geographic area of interests.  I am also interested in student projects devoted to understanding World Bank policies and behaviors in developing countries as it relates to democracy and markets.  

 

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