Lecture 5: Autocracy and Autocratisation

Question 1

Linz’s criteria for an autocratic political regime

Answer 1

1. limited pluralism
2. no guiding ideology
3. low political mobilisation
4. leader/small group that exercises politicsl power
5. limits on citizens’ rights

Question 2

different autocracy types: hybrid regimes

Answer 2

-political system that is not a full democracy nor a full autocracy, and has been like so for minimum 2-3 years)

Question 3

different autocracy types: electoral autocracy/competitive authoritarianism

Answer 3

-system of government which is notionally a democracy (i.e. elections to determine government)
-however, government exerts formal and informal power to control the electoral process in such a manner that only the sitting government can win the election
-fails to respect the 4 essential criteria of a minimal democracy

Question 4

4 requirements of minimal democracy

Answer 4

1. universal suffrage
2. recurring, competitive, free elections
3. more than one political party
4. alternative and different information sources

Question 5

why is there always a benefiting group of people?

Answer 5

-not a full democracy: leaders can keep power and financial gain

-not a full autocracy: regimes can get international aid and recognition