Blurring Boundaries: Authoritarianism and democracy in the modern world

Question 1

Conventional distinction

Answer 1

Democracy:

*free and fair elections, separation of powers, rule of law, the protection of civil liberties, political pluralism.

Authoritarianism:

*power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small elite, limited political pluralism and civil liberties, controlled or no elections.

Question 2

Hybrid Regimes

Answer 2

*Systems that incorporate elements of both democracy and authoritarianism.

*Competitive authoritarianism

*Illiberal democracies

Question 3

Democratic Backsliding

Answer 3

Erosion of free press

Attacks on judicial independence

Restrictions on opposition parties

The gradual decline in the quality of democracy

Question 4

Democratic Backsliding definition

Answer 4

Definition:

The gradual decline in the quality of democracy, often led by elected leaders who
Erode democratic norms and institutions.

Some Indicators:

*Erosion of freedom of the press

*Weakening of judicial independence

*Restrictions on civil society and opposition parties

*Increased executive powers and undermining of checks and balances