An attempt at the systemic interpretation of the Portuguese process of democratization

Abstract

The main question regarding the transition from an authoritarian regime into a democracy lies both in an increase of the political variety and in the capability of the new system to integrate a regime of major complexity. The author tries to analyse some features of the Portuguese case since 1974, under a point of view of political differentiation. The post-authoritarian situation introduces a wider range of political opportunities. The social forces, which could hardly express themselves under the previous regime, now rush into the political arena or even create new political arenas. The new political regime under consolidation is now confronted with their generally strong demands. The main point is that such demands become political sources of the regime under formation.