Polisci Essay 1: Electoral Authoritarian Regimes

what are electoral authoritarian regimes?

elections still exist but they’re unfair, its like a facade. and it is used to gain legitimacy and maintain elite support

• manipulated elections

• political opposition

• media control

• citizens rights to free speech

4 roles why its better than military authoritarian regimes

1. legitimacy building

2. elite cohesion

3. controlling opposition

4. internal legitimacy

legitimacy building

• the appearance of democratic governance = popular support

• military: regimes rely more on force than public consent = not popular support

elite cohesion

• those in power are given political power in exchange for their loyalty, they get administrative positions and economic privs

• military: hierarchical loyalty within the armed forces which leads to factionalism

controlling opposition

• elections help regime identify oppositions and allow the other party to target them. can track them and address threats with intimidation and oppression

• military: openly oppresses anyone that is against them which creates underground resistance’s

international legitimacy

• elections gain acceptance from the international community (democracies) even flawed elections that adhere to democratic standards makes it harder for outside forces to oppose

• military: rule with lack of democracy, face greater scrutiny and pressure from international actors

using mexico, explain how authoritarian regime operates and how it can become democratic

mexico uses pri (institutional revolutionary party) which maintains control through both elections and authoritarian practices

• vote buying, media control, and electoral fraud

In mexico democratization came from gradual electoral reforms rather than regime collapse

• mexico faced economic crisis and weakened PRI, urbanization also plays a role because it causes an increase in demands for political accountability and transparency