Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators

Ali Resul Usul

doi:10.20991/allazimuth.1665472

Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators

Abstract

This paper explores the seminal contributions of Daron Acemoglu and his collaborators to the understanding of democracy, democratization, institutions, and inequality, as recognized by the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. It delves into the stability and erosion of democratic institutions, emphasizing the interplay between historical legacies, class structures, and strategic political interactions. The analysis synthesizes insights from rational-choice theory, historical institutionalism, and comparative political economy, highlighting the critical role of both formal and informal institutions in shaping political outcomes. Key concepts such as critical junctures, path dependence, and the dynamic balance between state capacity and societal power—termed the “Red Queen effect”—are examined to explain the persistence and transformation of political regimes. The paper also addresses the implications of economic inequality for democratic stability and the continuous process of adaptation required to maintain inclusive institutions. By integrating theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence, this work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of democratization and offers policy recommendations for strengthening democratic resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.

Keywords

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

International Relations (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ali Resul Usul ^*
0000-0002-3450-1829
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 29, 2026

Submission Date

December 26, 2024

Acceptance Date

February 12, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.20991/allazimuth.1665472

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA77RM63AU

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Usul, A. R. (2026). Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace, 15(1), 161-178. https://doi.org/10.20991/allazimuth.1665472

AMA

1.Usul AR. Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace. 2026;15(1):161-178. doi:10.20991/allazimuth.1665472

Chicago

Usul, Ali Resul. 2026. “Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators”. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace 15 (1): 161-78. https://doi.org/10.20991/allazimuth.1665472.

EndNote

Usul AR (January 1, 2026) Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace 15 1 161–178.

IEEE

[1]A. R. Usul, “Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators”, All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 161–178, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.20991/allazimuth.1665472.

ISNAD

Usul, Ali Resul. “Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators”. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace 15/1 (January 1, 2026): 161-178. https://doi.org/10.20991/allazimuth.1665472.

JAMA

1.Usul AR. Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace. 2026;15:161–178.

MLA

Usul, Ali Resul. “Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators”. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace, vol. 15, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 161-78, doi:10.20991/allazimuth.1665472.

Vancouver

1.Ali Resul Usul. Democracy, Democratization, Institutions, and Inequality: Nobel-Winning Insights from Daron Acemoglu and His Collaborators. All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace. 2026 Jan. 1;15(1):161-78. doi:10.20991/allazimuth.1665472