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The values of the reform then are not absolute values but relative to the region.
Political Variables
Polity
To measure the degree of democracy of a state, the Polity IV data set is used. The
level of autocracy is subtracted from the level of democracy to produce a value
the represents the level of democracy. Scores Range from -10 to 10 (-10 = high
autocracy; 10 = high democracy). This variable is used as a control as the
institutional characteristics theoretically play a more important role in the
economic reform of a state. Early studies into the relationship between the degree
of democratization and economic reforms argue that the more authoritarian a
regime is the easier it may be to impose harsh economic policies on its citizens.
Some more recent studies do suggest, however, a positive relationship between
neoliberal reform and degree of democracy. For instance, Biglaiser and Danis
(2002) found that democratic regimes privatized more readily than authoritarian
regimes, while Brown and Hunter found that democratic regimes tended to
increase social spending.
Popularly Elected Presidents
Convention