This book theorizes a mechanism underlying regime-change waves, the deliberate efforts of diffusion entrepreneurs to spread a particular regime and regime-change model across state borders. Why do only certain states and nonstate actors emerge as such entrepreneurs? Why, how, and how effectively do they support regime change abroad? To answer these questions, the book studies the entrepreneurs behind the third wave of democratization, with a focus on the new eastern European democracies – members of the European Union. The study finds that it is not the strongest democracies nor the democracies trying to ensure their survival in a neighborhood of nondemocracies that become the most active diffusion entrepreneurs. It is, instead, the countries where the organizers of the domestic democratic transitions build strong solidarity movements supporting the spread of democracy abroad that do. The book also draws parallels between their activism abroad and their experiences with democratization and democracy assistance at home.

Represents a new direction in the study of Western democracy assistance by focusing on the role of new democracies that were former recipients of such assistance in promoting democratic change abroad

Adds agents and their motivations and innovations to the literature on the diffusion of democracy

Draws parallels between democracy promotion abroad and democratization experiences and democratic assistance at home

Emphasizes the role of non-Western actors in the propagation and future of the liberal norms that are foundational to the current international order