Democracy and Autocracy (361-0-20)

Instructors

Edward Gibson

Meeting Info

University Hall 122: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

The late 20th century's global wave of transitions from authoritarianism to democracy was heralded by many as the historic triumph of Liberal Democracy over all other forms of governance. It marked an 'end point' to political evolution, where henceforth democracy would be the only legitimate game in town. However, a more sober perspective prevails today. A global trend of regressions from democracy to autocracy, often with mass political support, has replaced the democratizing trend. In this course we will examine meanings of "autocracy" and "democracy" and debates about how transitions from authoritarianism to democracy succeed or fail. Then we will turn to analysis of the contemporary global trend of "backsliding" by established democracies toward more autocratic politics. Country case studies will be drawn from Western Europe, the Middle East, the Western Hemisphere, and Eastern Europe.

Registration Requirements

Social & Behavioral Sciences
Recommended prerequisite class: Introduction to Comparative Politics (Poli Sci 250)
Attendance at first class required

Learning Objectives

The major theoretical debates about autocratic and democratic political regimes and how these very across different parts of the world.

Evaluation Method

Mid-term test: 20%
Mid-term essay: 20%
Final test: 20%
Final essay: 20%
Discussion section: 20%

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.

Associated Classes

DIS - Frances Searle Building 1441: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - University Library 5322: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM