Parties, Elections, and Public opinion Flashcards
What roles do hegemonic parties play in post-Soviet authoritarian regimes (Bader, 2011)?
Hegemonic parties are dominant political forces in authoritarian regimes that help consolidate power and suppress opposition.
How do hegemonic parties maintain loyalty among elites? (Bader, 2011)
They use patronage systems to exchange spoils, such as jobs and economic benefits, for loyalty. This ties political advancement to party allegiance rather than public support or ideology.
What’s the difference between Hegemonic/dominant parties and ruling parties? (Bader, 2011)
Hegemonic (Dominant) Party: A hegemonic party consistently wins elections with a large vote share, controlling a significant majority in parliament. It acts as an instrument of the regime, helping to consolidate power, co-opt elites, and suppress opposition. It dominates the political landscape, often creating the illusion of democracy while ensuring authoritarian control.
Ruling Party: While the ruling party holds power, it may not have the same overwhelming dominance in elections or parliament. It may simply represent the government or the president’s administration, but it doesn’t necessarily have the same entrenched political and institutional control as a hegemonic party. The ruling party may be more vulnerable to challenges or shifts in power.
Why are hegemonic parties considered tools of “party-based authoritarianism”? (Bader, 2011)
They dominate elections by suppressing competition and conveying an image of electoral invincibility. This discourages opposition, consolidates regime control, and ensures election outcomes favor the ruling party.
They function as tools to:
1. Co-opt potential rivals
2. Marginalize opposition
3. Recruit new elites
4. Engage in mass mobilization.
What tactics are used in Russia to sustain authoritarian rule through elections? (Zavadskaya et al, 2017)
Tactics include voter intimidation, media manipulation, and ballot-stuffing. These methods ensure electoral victories for the ruling party while maintaining a façade of legitimacy.
How does electoral malpractice vary across different electoral contexts in Russia? (Zavadskaya et al, 2017)
The degree and type of manipulation are tailored to specific contexts, such as regional versus national elections, to balance credibility and control.
What vulnerabilities do sustained electoral manipulations expose in authoritarian regimes? (Zavadskaya et al, 2017)
Reliance on manipulation indicates a lack of genuine public support and deepens authoritarian entrenchment, potentially undermining regime stability in the long term.
What are the five characteristics of political parties in former Soviet states?
Weakness: Political parties are generally weak and lack strong institutional foundations.
Electoral mobilization: Parties primarily function as tools to mobilize voters during elections.
Made for Elites: They organize power among political elites.
Limit competition: Party competition is often controlled or limited, preventing strong opposition.
Importance of Leaders: Political leaders, rather than parties, play a more important role in shaping political outcomes.
How does electoral democracy in post-Soviet states differ from liberal democracy?
While elections are recognized as the only legitimate means to power, they often fail to achieve liberal values such as rule of law, political accountability, and minority rights.
What political shifts occurred in Georgia following the 2003 Rose Revolution?
Georgia transitioned to a parliamentary republic in 2018, with the PM becoming head of government and the president taking on ceremonial roles.
What challenges has Georgia faced in its EU integration efforts?
The European Commission suspended membership talks due to laws perceived as pro-Russian and anti-LGBTQ, as well as allegations of electoral fraud and opposition boycotts in recent elections.
What trends were observed in Moldova’s 2024 presidential election turnout?
Turnout was higher abroad, with pro-EU receiving 82% of the vote overseas. This reflects the diaspora’s preference for pro-European candidates.
What is an electoral autocracy and an electoral democracy?
- Electoral Autocracy: A system where elections occur, but they are manipulated to ensure the ruling party or leader remains in power, limiting political freedoms and suppressing opposition.
- Electoral Democracy: A system where elections are held regularly and are generally considered legitimate, but liberal democratic values like rule of law, political accountability, and minority rights are not fully upheld.
What is the “electoral dictator’s dilemma”?
Authoritarian leaders often hold elections to appear legitimate, both to their own citizens and the international community.
Elections can also help dictators identify their supporters and opponents, and maintain the loyalty of elites by demonstrating their power.
The Dilemma: not too rigged, not to liberal
If the elections are too rigged:
People see them as fake, which can fuel discontent and resistance, undermining the dictator’s legitimacy.
If the elections are more open:
There’s a risk the dictator could actually lose power or that opposition movements could gain strength and momentum.
How has political culture evolved in post-Soviet states?
Political culture in these states reflects Soviet legacies of authoritarianism, censorship, and political indifference. However, globalization and generational change have introduced aspirations for democratic values among younger populations.
