The consolidation of a new democracy is more likely to succeed if the transition negotiations are difficult rather than easy. Gretchen Casper and Taylor argue that the nature of elite bargaining during a country's transition from authoritarian rule significantly impacts its democratic progress. Their research, based on structured comparisons of twenty-four nations, examines the processes and outcomes of these negotiations. The core argument posits that overcoming challenges and reaching difficult compromises during the transition phase fosters a more robust and consolidated democracy.

The book is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of democratic transitions, offering a counterintuitive argument that difficult negotiations are more conducive to long-term democratic success. Scholars have noted its rigorous comparative methodology and the breadth of case studies employed. The work provides a valuable framework for understanding why some post-authoritarian states consolidate democracy while others falter. Its findings encourage a re-evaluation of transition strategies and the role of elite compromise.