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In this blog post, book authors Stephan Haggard & Robert R. Kaufman summarise their comparative research on democratic ‘backsliding’, describing how, & why, countries slip away from democracy, and asking, could democratic backsliding occur in the UK?
bit.ly/2TarYOR
In this blog post, book authors Stephan Haggard & Robert R. Kaufman summarise their comparative research on democratic ‘backsliding’, describing how, & why, countries slip away from democracy, and asking, could democratic backsliding occur in the UK?
bit.ly/2TarYOR
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The authors’ work identifies at least 16 countries - some of which were not so long ago viewed as stable and robust democracies – most notably the United States - which have recently experienced democratic backsliding, to varying degrees.
The authors’ work identifies at least 16 countries - some of which were not so long ago viewed as stable and robust democracies – most notably the United States - which have recently experienced democratic backsliding, to varying degrees.
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Backsliding is a process of democratic reversion. Unlike a coup d'état, it is more insidious, with illiberal leaders rising to power within a democratic framework, attacking core features of democracy from within.
Backsliding is a process of democratic reversion. Unlike a coup d'état, it is more insidious, with illiberal leaders rising to power within a democratic framework, attacking core features of democracy from within.
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The backsliding process presents three challenges to democratic rule: a collapse in the separation of powers between branches of government; the erosion of basic political rights and civil liberties; and attacks on the integrity of the electoral process.
The backsliding process presents three challenges to democratic rule: a collapse in the separation of powers between branches of government; the erosion of basic political rights and civil liberties; and attacks on the integrity of the electoral process.
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Looking at the first of these in the UK context, the most obvious recent example of pressure on the separation of powers came during the 2019 prorogation controversy that brought the executive, parliament and the courts into conflict.
bit.ly/3cj2iq3
Looking at the first of these in the UK context, the most obvious recent example of pressure on the separation of powers came during the 2019 prorogation controversy that brought the executive, parliament and the courts into conflict.
bit.ly/3cj2iq3
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The second factor, protection of basic political rights & civil liberties, includes freedom of speech, assembly & association.
In the UK there has been unease about the effects of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on the right to protest.
bbc.in/2SjYKgp
The second factor, protection of basic political rights & civil liberties, includes freedom of speech, assembly & association.
In the UK there has been unease about the effects of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on the right to protest.
bbc.in/2SjYKgp
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Erosion of basic rights and liberties may also come through attacks on the media or the judiciary
The UK government’s plans for judicial power reform, partially contradicting findings of its own independent review, have raised concerns among some MPs
bit.ly/3x7gACb
Erosion of basic rights and liberties may also come through attacks on the media or the judiciary
The UK government’s plans for judicial power reform, partially contradicting findings of its own independent review, have raised concerns among some MPs
bit.ly/3x7gACb
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The third challenge is to the integrity of the electoral process.
While the UK electoral system has not come under attack as occurred in the United States, some are concerned about the possible effects of the Electoral Integrity Bill.
bit.ly/3crxzqH
The third challenge is to the integrity of the electoral process.
While the UK electoral system has not come under attack as occurred in the United States, some are concerned about the possible effects of the Electoral Integrity Bill.
bit.ly/3crxzqH
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Explaining causes of democratic backsliding, the authors identify 3 interrelated processes.
The first, political polarisation, has clear UK resonances post-Brexit.
Leaders paint political adversaries as traitors or enemies, to justify bad behaviour.
bit.ly/3zaid3R
Explaining causes of democratic backsliding, the authors identify 3 interrelated processes.
The first, political polarisation, has clear UK resonances post-Brexit.
Leaders paint political adversaries as traitors or enemies, to justify bad behaviour.
bit.ly/3zaid3R
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Second, the legislature’s role:
If ‘parliamentary majorities fall under the thumb of the autocrat’, this enables them to weaken other democratic institutions.
So vigilance by parliamentarians, particularly in the governing party, can be key to preventing backsliding.
Second, the legislature’s role:
If ‘parliamentary majorities fall under the thumb of the autocrat’, this enables them to weaken other democratic institutions.
So vigilance by parliamentarians, particularly in the governing party, can be key to preventing backsliding.
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Third, incrementalism.
Often ‘normative limits are tested one initiative at a time, with each derogation making subsequent steps easier to pursue.’
Like the proverbial frog in the pan, the damage may already have been done before those affected realise what is happening.
Third, incrementalism.
Often ‘normative limits are tested one initiative at a time, with each derogation making subsequent steps easier to pursue.’
Like the proverbial frog in the pan, the damage may already have been done before those affected realise what is happening.
12/ So, could it happen here?
As the authors point out, backsliding sees democracies being undermined by the very leaders that publics elect
They conclude: ‘autocracies do not necessarily arrive with a general standing in front of bank of microphones… they can come by stealth’
As the authors point out, backsliding sees democracies being undermined by the very leaders that publics elect
They conclude: ‘autocracies do not necessarily arrive with a general standing in front of bank of microphones… they can come by stealth’
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Hence the authors warn that backsliding is ‘a development which should give all democrats, even those in the seemingly most stable democracies, cause for concern.’
For full details read the blog, or access their book ‘Backsliding’ here: bit.ly/3w5gcnk
Hence the authors warn that backsliding is ‘a development which should give all democrats, even those in the seemingly most stable democracies, cause for concern.’
For full details read the blog, or access their book ‘Backsliding’ here: bit.ly/3w5gcnk
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