Democratic Transitions (361-0-20)
Instructors
Edward L Gibson
Meeting Info
University Hall 102: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
The wave of transitions from authoritarianism to democracy that took place in recent decades led to a euphoric interpretation of the times as the triumph of liberal democracy over other forms of government. We were arriving at the 'end point' of political evolution where democracy would henceforth be the only legitimate game in town throughout the world. Today a more sober view prevails. Authoritarianism has proven a resilient force, and regressions from democracy back to authoritarianism, often with mass political support, seem to be the new trend. The focus of this course is on problems of democratic regimes. We will examine debates about the meaning of democracy, how authoritarian regimes are transformed into democratic regimes, and how these survive, fall, or decay. We will also question the dichotomy between "democracy" and "authoritarianism" as we examine how they often coexist in stable ways and authoritarianism is exercised through democratic institutions.
Registration Requirements
Recommended prerequisite class: Introduction to Comparative Politics (Poli Sci 250)
Attendance at first class required
Learning Objectives
Students will learn the core debates about how democratic regimes rise, fall, or survive, and gain an empirical understanding about the politics of global democratization in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Teaching Method
Lecture and discussion sections
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area