Democratic Backsliding

Definition

Democratic backsliding refers to the gradual decline in the quality of democracy, where democratic institutions, norms, and practices are eroded or weakened. This phenomenon often manifests in hybrid regimes and illiberal democracies, where formal democratic structures exist, but fundamental democratic principles such as political pluralism, civil liberties, and free press are compromised or dismantled. This can lead to authoritarian tendencies and a concentration of power, undermining citizens' participation and rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Democratic backsliding can be initiated by elected leaders who gradually undermine democratic institutions while maintaining a facade of legitimacy.
2. This decline often occurs through legal means, such as manipulating electoral laws or curtailing judicial independence.
3. Social media can both expose instances of democratic backsliding and serve as a tool for authoritarian regimes to control public discourse.
4. Countries experiencing democratic backsliding may see an increase in censorship, repression of dissent, and weakening of civil society organizations.
5. Indicators of democratic backsliding include declining voter turnout, increased political polarization, and diminished trust in government institutions.

Review Questions

• How does democratic backsliding impact the functioning of hybrid regimes?
  • Democratic backsliding can significantly weaken hybrid regimes by eroding the limited democratic practices that exist within them. As leaders manipulate electoral processes or curtail civil liberties, the distinguishing features that keep these regimes from being fully authoritarian diminish. This erosion can lead to increased repression and a consolidation of power among elites, further entrenching undemocratic practices and diminishing citizens' influence over governance.
• In what ways does illiberal democracy exemplify the concept of democratic backsliding?
  • Illiberal democracy is a direct manifestation of democratic backsliding because it retains electoral processes while failing to uphold core democratic principles like individual rights and the rule of law. In such regimes, although elections occur, they are often manipulated to favor ruling parties, civil liberties are restricted, and dissent is suppressed. This creates an environment where democracy exists in name only, revealing how backsliding operates in practice by prioritizing power over genuine democratic engagement.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of democratic backsliding on political stability and citizen engagement in affected countries.
  • The long-term consequences of democratic backsliding can lead to significant political instability and diminished citizen engagement. As trust in government erodes due to authoritarian practices, public apathy may increase, leading to lower voter turnout and less civic participation. Over time, this can create a cycle where weakened institutions further entrench authoritarianism, making it difficult for citizens to reclaim their rights or influence governance. Ultimately, the health of democracy in affected countries can deteriorate significantly, potentially resulting in unrest or conflict as discontent grows among the populace.

Related terms

Hybrid Regimes:

Political systems that exhibit both democratic and authoritarian characteristics, often with elections but limited political freedoms.

Illiberal Democracy: A form of government that holds elections but lacks the essential features of democracy such as the protection of civil liberties and rule of law.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, where individual freedoms are subordinate to the state.