This course examines the basic features of democracy, its definitions, the causes of its emergence, as well as its strengths and problems. The course also examines the waves of democratization in the modern world, with particular emphasis on the global spread of democracies in the late 20th century and beyond, and applies the concepts of democracy and democratization to controversial questions like whether democracy is a universal value, whether it can promote human rights, whether there is an inherent conflict between Asian values and democracy, and whether democracy is favourable or unfavourable to economic development. The course attempts to assess some major challenges facing democracy in the twenty-first century, including those stemming from globalization. Students are required to critically evaluate the democratization process in societies in Asia and elsewhere.