Description
Book SynopsisWhy 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.
Table of ContentsThe 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
