POLI107 week 3 reading 2 - Levisky and Way's 'the rise of competitive authoritarianism' 2002

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the article on competitive authoritarianism.

Competitive Authoritarianism

Hybrid regime where democratic institutions exist but are so manipulated by incumbents that they fail to meet minimum standards for democracy.

Modern Democratic Regimes Criteria

Executives/legislatures chosen through open, free, fair elections; virtually all adults can vote; political rights and civil liberties are protected; elected authorities possess real governing authority.

Delegative Democracies

Characterized by low levels of horizontal accountability and powerful executives but still meet minimum standards for democracy.

Façade Electoral Regimes

Regimes where electoral institutions exist but offer no meaningful contestation for power; considered a form of full-scale authoritarianism.

Arenas of Democratic Contestation in Competitive Authoritarian Regimes

Electoral arena, legislature, judiciary, and the media.

Role of Elections in Competitive Authoritarian Regimes

Elections are often bitterly fought but characterized by abuses of power, biased media, harassment, and lack of transparency; manipulation of results can lead to regime crisis.

Legislature's Role

Can become a focal point of opposition, especially if incumbents lack strong majority parties; can be circumvented or shut down, but this is costly.

Judiciary's Role

Routinely face attempts at subordination through bribery, extortion, and co-optation, but formal judicial independence can provide an opening for maverick judges.

Media's Role

Independent media outlets are often influential and serve as watchdogs, but are often subject to subtle mechanisms of repression.

Paths to Competitive Authoritarianism

Decay of full-blown authoritarian regime, collapse of authoritarian regime followed by new competitive authoritarian regime, decay of a democratic regime.

Factors Contributing to Competitive Authoritarianism

Difficulties in consolidating democratic/authoritarian regimes, post-Cold War international environment, Western liberal hegemony, domestic impediments to authoritarian consolidation.

Western Liberal Hegemony Influence

Created incentives for states to adopt formal democratic institutions, but the absence of alternative sources of aid increased the importance of good terms with Western governments.