lecture 4 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Why is repression alone not enough to sustain authoritarian rule?
It can undermine legitimacy, harm economic development, provoke resistance, and lead to instability.
Why are monarchies and single-party regimes often resilient?
They possess historical or ideological legitimacy, centralized power, patronage networks, and control over succession.
What do monarchies and single-party regimes have in common?
Both centralize authority, limit political pluralism, and rely on elite loyalty and control to maintain power.
Why do authoritarian regimes hold elections?
To create legitimacy, co-opt opposition, manage elite competition, and signal strength domestically and internationally.
Why are military coups less common today?
Due to global democratic norms, international pressure, and increased civilian control over the military.
Why is the rise of personalism in leadership a concern?
It undermines institutions, increases authoritarianism, fosters corruption, and encourages populism and polarization.
How does personalistic rule threaten democracy?
It centralizes power, weakens checks and balances, and erodes rule of law.
Should we differentiate between authoritarian regimes with elections and those without?
Yes, because pluralism, even if limited, affects regime behavior, opposition strength, and international legitimacy.
Are there situations where people may prefer authoritarian regimes?
Yes—where stability, economic growth, and national unity are prioritized over political freedom.
What factors make authoritarian regimes attractive to some citizens?
Efficiency, national pride, cultural values, and perceived protection during crises.
What is the third wave of autocratization?
A recent global trend marked by gradual erosion of democratic institutions, often under legalistic pretenses.
How is the third wave of autocratization different from earlier waves?
It features slower, legalistic democratic erosion mostly within existing democracies rather than overt authoritarian takeovers.
What does it mean that autocratization happens under a ‘legal facade’?
It refers to the use of laws and legal institutions to gradually weaken democracy while maintaining democratic appearances.
How do scholars measure autocratization?
By tracking a decline of 0.1 or more in the Electoral Democracy Index (0–1 scale) using V-Dem data.
What are signs of autocratization?
Erosion of judicial independence, attacks on the press, restrictions on civil society, and weakening of opposition.
What is democratic backsliding?
A gradual decline in the quality of democracy, often within an existing democratic system.
Why is ‘concept stretching’ a problem in discussing backsliding?
Because applying the term to regimes that were never fully democratic may misrepresent what’s actually happening.
What are the key takeaways from the article on autocratization?
Autocratization is increasing, is often legal and gradual, and mostly affects democracies rather than autocracies.
