Non-democratic & Hybrid Regimes Flashcards
Characteristics of non-democratic regimes:
-Rulers are selected in non-competitive processes
-Rulers are not held accountable to the citizens
-Rulers are not subject to the rule of law and other constitutional constraints
Stages of the democratisation process:
- Liberalisation
- Transition
- Democratic Consolidation
what is meant by liberalisation as a stage of democratising?
regimes start losing their grip on society
what is meant by transition as a stage of democratising?
change in government structures leading to the end product of a democracy
what is meant by democratic consolidation as a stage of democratising?
democratic norms become accepted by elites
What three aspects determine the differences between types of non-democratic regimes?
- Degree of societal pluralism
- Type of political mobilisation
- Type of leadership
Three types of non-democratic regimes:
- Totalitarian regimes
- Authoritarian regimes
- Sultanistic regimes
Characteristics of Totalitarian regimes:
No tolerance for any opposition
Extensive and intense mobilisation
Leadership comes from large organisations such as parties
Characteristics of Authoritarian regimes:
Some opposition is allowed, but is very limited
Almost no mobilisation
Leadership is not entirely constrained but it is much more predictable
Characteristics of Sultanistic regimes:
Some pluralism but is subject to despotic intervention
No extensive mobilisation
Highly personalistic leadership
Characteristics of Hybrid regimes:
- Democratic institutions exist but aren’t democratic because the playing field is heavily skewed in favour of incumbents
- Elections take place but there is no alteration in power
- Limited restraint in the exercise of power
What are the different mechanisms of rule for Hybrid regimes?
-Strategic constitutional and administrative manipulations
-Politicisation of the state and its institutions
-Patronage and clientelism
