Policy Press

Democratic Decay and Authoritarian Resurgence

By Natasha Lindstaedt

Published

May 28, 2021

Page count

428 pages

ISBN

978-1529210392

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 28, 2021

Page count

428 pages

ISBN

978-1529210385

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 28, 2021

Page count

428 pages

ISBN

978-1529210415

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 28, 2021

Page count

428 pages

ISBN

978-1529210415

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Democratic Decay and Authoritarian Resurgence

Why do democracies fall apart, and what can be done about it?

This book introduces students to the concept and causes of democratic decay in the modern world. Illustrating the integral link between public commitment to democratic norms and the maintenance of healthy democracies, it examines the key factors in decaying democracies, including:

• Economic inequality;

• Corruption;

• Populist and authoritarian discourse;

• Declining belief in political institutions and processes.

Drawing on real-world developments, and including international case studies, the book outlines the extent to which there is a ‘democratic recession’ in contemporary politics and shows how transnational networks and technology are impacting on this development.

“This is an essential read for all students of politics interested in the future of democracy. Lindstaedt presents a comprehensive study of a global crisis.” Anja Neundorf, University of Glasgow

“Offers a comprehensive and highly readable account of the ways in which corruption, restrictions on accountability and normative shifts have driven recent authoritarian backsliding across the globe.” Sarah Birch, King's College London

Natasha Lindstaedt is Deputy Dean and a Professor in the Department of Government at the University of Essex. She has written widely on authoritarian regimes, democracy, corruption and failed states.

The Current Landscape

Chapter 1: An Era of Autocratization? Are We Experiencing an Era of Democratic Backsliding?

Chapter 2: Entering the Grey Zone

Public Opinion and Norms

Chapter 3: Measuring and Defining Public Support for Democracy and Autocracy

Chapter 4: What Shapes Public Support for Autocratization? Political Culture, Education, Religion, Personality and Authoritarian Legacies

Chapter 5: International and Informational Sources of Authoritarian Norms

Causes and Context

Chapter 6: Globalization

Chapter 7: Corruption

Chapter 8: Authoritarian Populism

Symptoms and Processes

Chapter 9: Assaults on the Media and Civil Society

Chapter 10: Assaults on Institutions

Chapter 11: Assaults on Electoral Processes

Chapter 12: Protests and Reform

Conclusion