An analysis of democracy and its relevance to the challenges of broadening popular participation, reducing poverty and social exclusion and managing violent conflict, especially in the present day East and South. The paper argues that the spread of democratic institutions does not necessarily mean the spread of democratic politics but that the former will only flourish when they are actively supported by the latter. The design and structure of democratic institutions also makes a difference, both creating space for democratic politics and shaping how elected governments deal with the issues of participation, socio-economic justice and conflict.