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Is it possible for democracy to be instituted in any society at any point in its developmental process? Or are there certain socio-economic and political conditions which are necessary for democracy not only to work but to survive? This case study confronts that question head on. It starts by pointing to current Western aid and development policy which insists that developing countries adopt democratic practices as a condition for aid. It goes on to explore the arguments about conditions for democracy and surveys the now rich literature on the question while also referring to the substantial range of comparative empirical material and historical evidence now available. Having provided the students with a detailed guide to the complex theoretical arguments and empirical evidence, it asks them to come to a view about the conditions and prospects for democracy in general and in developing societies in particular. The case works well in a course on democracy or comparative democratic theory, but could also be used in courses on the politics of development where the question of democratisation is treated in a significant way. It goes well with the previous cases on democracy, ''What is Democracy?'' (797-002-1) and ''Is Democracy Possible?'' (797-005-1). For advanced students, who have done adequate background reading, it will sustain a two-hour session, but is easily and usefully deployed in a single one-hour session.