The International Context of Democratic Backsliding

Rethinking the Role of Third Wave “Prodemocracy” Global Actors

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6319765
AutoresDavid Samuels (0000-0002-5481-8217, University of Cambridge, autor correspondente)
Ano2023
Volume21
Fascículo3
Páginas1001-1012
Data de publicação2023-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPerspectives on Politics (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1537-5927 • E-ISSN: 1541-0986
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1537592722003334
OpenAlexW4313466480
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas19
Referências citadas42

We know much about “how democracies die”: elites and masses become polarized, and norms of mutual toleration, forbearance, and institutional restraint erode. But why do elites feel free to undermine these guardrails of democracy? What are the sources of backsliding? Answers to these questions have focused on the impact of economic and cultural change, and on autocratic meddling. I consider another potential source of backsliding around the world: the impact of the reconfiguration of global politics after the Cold War and 9/11 on politics in the main prodemocratic actors that Samuel Huntington highlighted in his book The Third Wave: the United States, the European Union, and the Vatican. Today, the international context gives leaders in these global powers relatively weaker incentives to stand up for democracy, even in the face of aggressive meddling from Russia and China. Changes in international politics has left democracy with weaker ideational support in the global arena, potentially facilitating backsliding

Autocracy · Context (archaeology · Democracy · Development economics · Economics · Face (sociological concept · Geography · Incentive · Market economy · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Populism, Right-Wing Movements · Social Policy and Reform Studies