key term - Democratic Backsliding

Definition

Democratic backsliding refers to the gradual erosion or weakening of democratic institutions, norms, and practices within a country that has previously been considered a democracy. It is the process by which democracies regress towards more authoritarian forms of government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Democratic backsliding is often characterized by the erosion of checks and balances, the undermining of judicial independence, the suppression of media freedom, and the concentration of power in the hands of the executive branch.
2. Populist leaders who gain power through democratic means may use that power to weaken democratic institutions and consolidate their own authority, leading to democratic backsliding.
3. Factors that contribute to democratic backsliding include economic stagnation, social polarization, and the rise of nationalist and authoritarian ideologies.
4. Democratic backsliding can have severe consequences for a country's citizens, including the curtailment of civil liberties, the erosion of the rule of law, and the suppression of political opposition.
5. Addressing democratic backsliding requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening democratic institutions, promoting civic engagement, and fostering a culture of democratic values and norms.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of democratic backsliding and how it differs from a traditional autocratic regime.
  • Democratic backsliding is characterized by the gradual erosion of democratic institutions, norms, and practices within a country that was previously considered a democracy. Unlike a traditional autocratic regime, where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or small elite from the outset, democratic backsliding involves the gradual undermining of checks and balances, the weakening of judicial independence, the suppression of media freedom, and the consolidation of power by the executive branch. This process often occurs under the guise of populist rhetoric and appeals to the interests of ordinary citizens, even as it ultimately leads to the concentration of power and the curtailment of civil liberties.
• Analyze the factors that contribute to democratic backsliding and the potential consequences for a country's citizens.
  • Several factors can contribute to democratic backsliding, including economic stagnation, social polarization, and the rise of nationalist and authoritarian ideologies. Populist leaders who gain power through democratic means may use that power to weaken democratic institutions and consolidate their own authority, leading to the erosion of checks and balances, the undermining of judicial independence, and the suppression of media freedom. The consequences of democratic backsliding can be severe for a country's citizens, including the curtailment of civil liberties, the erosion of the rule of law, and the suppression of political opposition. This can have far-reaching implications for a country's political, social, and economic stability, as well as its standing in the international community.
• Evaluate the strategies and approaches that can be used to address and prevent democratic backsliding.
  • Addressing democratic backsliding requires a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening democratic institutions, promoting civic engagement, and fostering a culture of democratic values and norms. This may include measures such as ensuring the independence of the judiciary, protecting the freedom of the press, and promoting transparency and accountability in government. Additionally, fostering civic engagement and a strong civil society can help to counteract the erosion of democratic norms and practices. Ultimately, addressing democratic backsliding requires a sustained commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties, even in the face of political and social challenges.

Related terms

Illiberal Democracy:

A political system in which, although elections take place, citizens' civil liberties are curtailed, and the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary are undermined.

Populism:

A political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an elite establishment.

Autocracy: A system of government in which unlimited power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small elite, typically not constitutionally responsible to the people.