One of the dominant factors contributing towards democratic transitions is the imposed autocratic rule by dictatorial regimes. When government authorities opt to rule people in a dictatorial manner, a high degree of tension is created to an extent that citizens can no longer endure the hardships they are going through. For example, when citizens are overtaxed and under paid, they automatically develop some level of resistance with the innermost desire to liberate themselves.
Regimes that are run by military wings may also be dictatorial and as such, citizens may attempt to resist their governance. Secondly, autocratic rule often contributes to democratic transitions because a lot of power or governance authority is delegated to the few elites in society. This creates a sense of greed and generally, it leads to skewed leadership. In the long run, some section of the population will have to be oppressed in order to impress others.
When the mass media or press is cowed or worse still seized by the ruling government, people definitely feel intimidated. A regime that is not popular with the majority rule is highly likely to experience a lot of turbulence as people seek a wider democratic space. Authoritarian regimes may also end up becoming fatigued culminating into the desire to pursue democratic transition. Moreover, the international pressure can also instigate or trigger violence in countries that are governed by autocratic rulers. When the international community airs its concerns over nations that are governed poorly, it acts as a source of sensitization for the people to seek true liberation from the bondages of bad leadership.
There are some governments that may not be in a position to propel economic development as per the needs of their respective citizens. When any given population is economically deprived, resorting to violence often becomes the most immediate option in a bid to seek financial freedom. Democratic transitions that have taken place recently have been mainly occasioned by economically depressed populations alongside the high cost of living. Such weaknesses are associated with rampant corruption and therefore, democratic transition can be used to remedy the challenge.
In terms of challenges, it is imperative to mention that democratic transitions often leave a trail of destruction within a very short time. For instance, an economic crisis usually follows after the rapid political changes that take place during democratic transitions. When a country is experiencing political turmoil, economic development is usually brought into a stand still. This implies that economic turmoil is highly likely to grip a nation that is at war with its own people. In addition, massive loss of life and extensive destruction of property are some of the major challenges associated with democratic transitions. There are instances when heavy fighting can erupt between opposing camps only to leave scores dead and properties destroyed. As a matter of fact, democratic transitions can hardly be permitted by autocratic regimes.
Finally, social stratification and loss of monetary resources during democratic battles are common occurrences when nations begin to liberate themselves from dictatorship. In regards to social stratification, hundreds of families can be left stranded, homeless and socially traumatized after going through difficult transition time. Social stratification may also be experienced in form of broken family ties. People who are socially stratified have a feeling of rejection. Therefore, democratic transitions can be very costly both in terms of loss in property and human life.