Replication Data for: International Contributions to Nicaraguan Democracy: The Role of Foreign Municipal Donations for Social Development

As the study of new democracies has advanced, scholarly attention has directed itself to the role of subnational government in dvancing democracy. Scholars are divided over whether or not subnational politics enhances democracy. This article enters that debate by examining the role of foreign donations directly into Nicaragua’s municipalities. Drawing on an extensive data base of direct foreign donations and electoral returns in municipalities, the article argues that subnational government can enhance democratization and also development so long as subnational leaders have a considerable degree of autonomy. The article considers what conditions provide that level of autonomy. On the other hand, subnational government is also embedded within a national political context such that democratic backsliding at the national level can undermine the local democratization process and also cause a decline in foreign direct donations and development.