NATO In Kosovo

This work explores the crucial but often unrecognized role that referendums have played and continue to play in countries attempting a transition from Communist and authoritarian regimes to democratic states. It examines examples such as the Soviet Union, the Post Soviet States, France and Chile.Referendums, by demonstrably measuring the will of the people, grant legitimacy not only to policy choices but also to leaders and institutions. Referendums have decided in transition times the balance of power between executives and legislatures and the independence or integration of states and regions. The ability of these votes to be manipulated, however, have made them popular with illiberal leaders and have brought into question the measure of democracy that these votes provide.