[logicalfails]

> Elites for the most part did not democratize on their own terms and stand to lose from open electoral politics

On a slightly related note, I'm under the impression there are many countries with disillusioned youth, combined with relatively entrenched incompetence/corruption in their respective governments. Are there any recent examples of countries that reformed their government without requiring a violent upheaval? (Tunisia looks like a floundering example?). Vested interests prefer to remain vested, so I'm looking for examples where "discussion and debates" have secured long term reforms against established stakeholders.

[blackhawkC17]

South Korea and Taiwan reformed from authoritarianism into prosperous democracies without violence.

[ls612]

Without civil wars. Both experienced substantial street violence in the transition to democracy. And only Taiwan did it without US military forces in the country to influence the political process.