Social psychological foundations of democracy: Theoretical analysis and empirical probes

Democratic regimes are beneficial for optimal development of individuals as well of societies. They best promote self-actualization of their citizens, secure human rights, encourage economic prosperity; at the same time, they institutionalize peaceful conflict resolution within the country as well as with other democracies (Pax democratica). The article reviews theories of democratic character and social psychological prerequisites for democracy (especially psychological proximity of citizens) and informs about empirical studies dealing with the relationship between democracy and psychological attitudes. The research, which the author and her collaborators gonducted on civic culture, democratic mentality and post-totalitarian syndrome, is also briefly described; the results indicate the ratio of democratic non-democratic and antidemocratic tendencies among the citizens of the Czech Republic.