Fareed Zakaria in the Future of Freedom argues that democracy as a form of political organisation is a luxury of a wealthy post-capitalistic society.
He identifies two trends. One, that the rule of law and the principles of limited government such as universal rights, limited executive powers and constitutionalism are developed through the process of capitalism and market economies.
Second, that it is often per capita wealth which determines if a society will be able to maintain democracy as a form of political organisation. Countries with per capita income of over $6,000 survive as democracies. This suggests that democracy requires a great deal of population buy in, as well as being energy and cost intensive to maintain. (more)
