THIS EDITORIAL FROM THE NEW REPUBLIC echoes my democratization is a process, not an event theme:

But liberal democracy is more than just regime change and elections. It can succeed only if it is cultivated–which means devoting time and money to building civil institutions like a free press, nurturing liberal political parties and politicians, and generally inculcating liberal values through all available means, including popular culture.

Though they get in some shots at the Administration, the key point — about the need to support democratic reforms abroad — is clearly right.