Democratic Breakdown and Authoritarianism

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step of democratic breakdown as a result of a sequence of unanticipated events?

The process often begins with words, attacking their critics in harsh and provocative terms—as enemies, as subversives, and even as terrorists.

What is the second step of democratic breakdown taken by autocrats?

Demagogues cross from words to action.

Why are demagogues often dismissed as being 'all talk'?

Because their initial rise to power tends to polarize society-creating a climate of panic, hostility, and mutual distrust.

Why is maintaining democracy hard work?

They require negotiation, compromise, and concessions. Signup and view all the answers

How do elected authoritarians shatter the democratic institutions that are supposed to constrain them?

Some do it in one fell swoop, but more often the assault on democracy begins slowly, almost imperceptibly. Signup and view all the answers

How do government moves to subvert democracy enjoy a veneer of legality?

They are approved by parliament or ruled constitutional by the supreme court. Signup and view all the answers

How do autocrats subtly undermine institutions?

By capturing the referees, sidelining their opponents, and rewriting the rules to lock in their advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of agencies do modern states possess with the authority to investigate and punish wrongdoings?

Judicial system, law enforcement bodies, intelligence, tax, and regulatory agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Why do judicial and law enforcement agencies pose both a challenge and an opportunity for rising authoritarians?

If they remain independent, they might expose and punish government abuse. Signup and view all the answers

How are the referees captured by autocrats?

Usually by quietly firing civil servants and replacing them with loyalists. Signup and view all the answers

How can institutions like the judiciary that cannot be easily purged be hijacked?

By blackmailing, bribing, or targeting judges for impeachment, or packing the court with loyalists. Signup and view all the answers

How do autocrats mitigate opposition by buying them off?

By offering public positions, favors, perks, or outright bribes. Signup and view all the answers

If opponents can't be bought off, how else can they be weakened?

By using control of referees to 'legally' sideline the opposition media. Signup and view all the answers

What consequences come from silencing influential voices of opposition?

It leads to withdrawal from politics by other businesspeople and demoralization of the opposition. Signup and view all the answers

After capturing the referees and deflating opposition, how do authoritarians change the rules of the game?

By reforming the constitution, electoral system, and other institutions to disadvantage rivals. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of rewriting the rules to lock in authoritarian advantage that happened in the U.S.?

The end of post-Civil War Reconstruction led to authoritarian regimes in post-Confederate states. Signup and view all the answers

Why do would-be autocrats use crises to justify antidemocratic measures?

Crises open a window of opportunity to silence critics and weaken rivals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'rally around the flag' effect?

An increase of public support for the government as a response to wars or terrorist attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Steps of Democratic Breakdown

Initial democratic breakdown often starts with hostile rhetoric from a demagogic leader, labeling critics as enemies or terrorists.
Autocrats escalate from words to actions, aggressively attacking media outlets that oppose them.

Polarization and Frustration

The rise of demagogues leads to societal polarization, creating panic and distrust.
Maintaining democracy involves negotiation and compromise, a process demagogues despise.

Shattering Democratic Institutions

Elected authoritarians may dismantle democratic institutions gradually, often unnoticed, while maintaining elections and media presence.
Actions to undermine democracy are typically framed as legal and legitimate, using parliamentary approval or judicial endorsement.

Institutional Control

Authoritarians gain dominance by capturing neutral institutions like the judiciary and law enforcement, sidestepping opponents, and altering rules to their advantage.
The judiciary's role can either expose government wrongdoing if independent or protect the government if aligned with loyalists.

Co-opting and Weakening Opposition

Authoritarian regimes can buy off key figures in politics, business, or media, providing incentives like public office or bribes.
If opponents resist co-option, they may face legal harassment, resulting in weakened media and political resistance.

Silencing Dissent

By jailing or destroying influential opponents, regimes discourage others from engaging in politics, deflating the opposition's morale.
The absence of dissenting voices permits governments to operate without facing critical scrutiny.

Changing Rules of Engagement

Authoritarians often reform constitutional and electoral frameworks to entrench their power, usually under a guise of public benefit.
Historical example: Post-Civil War Reconstruction led to constitutional reforms disenfranchising African Americans through ostensibly neutral laws.

Exploiting Crises for Power

Economic crises or security threats are manipulated to justify antidemocratic measures, allowing leaders to consolidate power during periods of fear.
Public willingness to sacrifice civil liberties often rises in response to perceived threats to safety.

"Rally Around the Flag" Effect

National security crises typically boost government support, making political resistance to leaders virtually impossible during these periods, leading to unchecked presidential power.

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Description

Explore the steps and tactics associated with the breakdown of democratic systems and the rise of authoritarianism. This quiz examines the role of demagogues, societal polarization, and institutional control in undermining democracy. Understand how these processes unfold and their implications for democratic governance.