What is a potential risk highlighted in liberalism regarding emerging democracies?

Liberalism highlights the inherent vulnerabilities in emerging democracies, particularly their susceptibility to collapse into ethnic turmoil. This risk arises because many countries transitioning to democratic governance often have existing ethnic or cultural divisions. When political structures are being established, these divisions can become exacerbated, leading to tensions and conflicts. Without effective institutions and mechanisms to manage these differences, emerging democracies may struggle to maintain stability, which can result in significant social unrest and violence.

The concept underlines that while the liberalization of political systems is aimed at fostering freedom and representation, it can unintentionally unleash or magnify underlying societal fractures. Consequently, understanding this risk is crucial for policymakers and international actors who support democratic transitions.