Replication data for: Democratization and Initial Condition Constraints: Questioning Kapstein and Converse’s Analyses

The purpose of this paper is to replicate the findings of Kapstein and Converse (2008) regarding the initial condition constraints that young democracies face towards democratization efforts. We believe that the authors have significant model specification errors that make the replication impossible. Our own analysis support the authors’ claim that initial condition constraints vary across region and therefore, initial conditions are not deterministic of democratic failure. Similarly, economic development alone does not determine democratization success. We also agree with the authors that the form of governance matters less: i.e. parliamentary or presidential, than the checks and balances on the government. Alternatively, we find no direct relationship between aid and probability of democratic failure.