Using six hypothetical countries, the author proposes four theories for the manifestation of democratization waves and reverse political waves: single cause, parallel development, snowballing, and prevailing nostrum. The author identifies and discusses five patterns of regime change present during the third wave of democratization: cyclical, second-try, interrupted, direct transition, and decolonization. Additionally, the author examines social, economic, and external conditions favorable for the emergence of democracy in a nation.
