Week 13 - Democracy In Decline Flashcards
Democratic Backsliding
Refers to the process of a country moving away from democracy and towards authoritarianism
Importance of Democracy
Best among alternatives for protecting and nurturing human dignity.
* channels political interests to those of the public
* tends to reduce violent conflict
There is evidence that democracy tends to foster economic development. (Why nations fail - reading)
Democracy as a universal value
Although it was doing much better economically than India, China faced the largest recorded famine in world history (30 million people died in famine - 1958-1961) because **faulty govermental policies remained uncorrected for 3 full years.
There was no democracy at the time, so the faulty policies went uncriticized because there was no opposition in parliament, no free press, and no multiparty elections.
2 Significant Threats to Democracy
- Rise of the Surveillance State
The rise of surveillance technology has led to concerns about the erosion of privacy and civil liberties. Governments and corporations increasingly collect vast amounts of personal data, which can be used to monitor individuals, track their movements, and influence their behavior. - Inequality/Money in Politics
* Economic inequality can undermine democratic processes by creating an uneven playing field. Wealthy individuals and corporations can use their resources to influence elections, lobby for favorable policies, and shape public discourse.
What are the defining features of democracy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism?
Democracy: power resides with the people, who excercise it through free and fair elections. Everyone is equal under the rule of law. There is an element of accountability for the political party in charge, as they need to win the peoples’ vote once again.
Authoritarianism: Political participation is restricted, and elections, if held, are rigged or manipulated. Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group. The rule of law is weak, and fundamental freedoms are often suppressed
Totalitarianism: The state seeks to control all aspects of society, including economy, culture, and lives of citizens. A single poltiical party dominates the political system and suppresses opposition. Propoganda is used and information is controlled and suppressed.
difference between totalitarianism and authoritarianism
While both totalitarianism and authoritarianism are forms of government that suppress individual freedoms and limit political participation, they differ in the extent of their control over society.
Totalitarianism controls all aspects of society from economy, to culture, to lives of citizens.
While, authoritarian regimes focus primarily on political control, allowing some degree of social and economic freedom.
What is “liberal democracy”?
A form of government that combines the principles of liberal political philosophy with a democratic system.
Often have a market-based economy, although the extent of government intervention varies. They prioritize individual liberty, equality before the law, and the consent of the governed.
Why does democracy matter? In other words, what are the key arguments in support of democracy? And, are these arguments compelling?
Democracy is often applauded for its ability to promote human rights, economic prosperity, and political stability.
* Protects human rights
* economic prosperity
* Accountability and Transparency
What problems are commonly associated with authoritarian rule?
- Human Rights Abuses
- Corruption
- Lack of economic development (prioritize political control over economic development)
- Political Instability
What is a “hybrid regime,” and what are some examples of such regimes?
A hybrid regime is a political system that combines elements of both democratic and authoritarian rule. It often exhibits characteristics of both, such as holding elections but with limited competition, or having a constitution that guarantees civil liberties but is frequently violated.
Ex. Russia - While Russia holds elections, they are often manipulated, and the government exerts significant control over the media and civil society.
India - with the new Mogi government, India has been experiencing a democratic backsliding towards authoritarian rule. It has both characteristics of a democracy and authoritarianism
What is “democratic backsliding” and what are some significant examples or cases?
Refers to the process of a country moving away from democracy and towards authoritarianism
Ex. While India remains a democracy, there have been concerns about the erosion of democratic norms under the Modi government, including attacks on religious minorities, the suppression of dissent, and the weakening of independent institutions.
Why is democracy in retreat around the world today? What are some of the factors that help explain democratic backsliding? What are the most important steps that can be taken to defend and strengthen democracy?
Democracy is facing a global decline due to a confluence of factors:
* Rise in populism and authoritarianism
* Rise in Economic Inequality
* Global Crises - like COVID 19 can strain demcratic institutions
* Spread of misinformation through technology
Steps to Defend and Strengthen Democracy:
* Civic engagement - voter participation to ensure the result of the election truly reflects the will of the people
* Media Literacy - To help people differentiate fact from fiction and avoid falling victim to propoganda
What does Varol mean by “stealth authoritarianism”? How do stealth authoritarians undermine democracy? What are the techniques they use, or the steps they take, to undermine democracy?
the term “stealth authoritarianism” to describe a new generation of authoritarian leaders who use legal mechanisms to subvert democratic institutions and consolidate power. Unlike traditional authoritarian regimes that openly repress their opponents, stealth authoritarians employ more subtle tactics to erode democratic norms and undermine the rule of law.
Techniques:
* Manipulating the legal system
* Controlling the media
* Polarization in society (us vs. them; social division)
What is “populism,” and how has it been connected to authoritarianism? How can populism subvert democracy? Does populism necessarily undercut democracy?
Populism is a political ideology that pits a virtuous people against a corrupt elite. Populists often present themselves as the only true representatives of the people, promising to overturn the established order and restore power to the people.
Populists divide society into “us” (the pure people) and “them” (the corrupt elite), leading to increased polarization and social division.
Not all forms of populism are anti-democratic. There have been examples of populist movements that have contributed to democratic reforms and social progress. However, the rise of authoritarian populism in recent years has raised concerns about the potential for populism to undermine democracy.
