Unveiling the Origins of Electoral Authoritarianism

Unveiling the Origins of Electoral Authoritarianism

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Puzzle of Electoral Autocracy
3. The Spread of Electoral Autocracy: International Factors
   1. Regional Contagion Effect
   2. International Engagement and Pressure
4. Socioeconomic Factors and Electoral Autocracy
   1. The Surprising Link between Low Development, High Inequality, and Multi-Party Elections
   2. Education and University Attendance
   3. Urbanization and Population Density
5. The Role of Political Factors
   1. The Influence of Political Globalization
   2. Trade Dependence on Electoral Autocracy and Democracy
   3. Foreign Aid and International Pressure
6. Other Factors Influencing Transition
   1. Recent Coups and Weak Regime Stability
   2. Influence of Political Parties and Legislatures
   3. Political Violence and Protest Activity
7. Conclusion

Article: The Puzzle of Electoral Autocracy and Its Spread: Exploring the Factors Behind the Adoption of Multi-Party Elections

The spread of electoral autocracy has become increasingly prevalent in the modern world. However, there is a lack of empirical literature that explains the factors behind the adoption of multi-party elections in autocratic regimes. This article aims to fill that gap by examining the puzzle of electoral autocracy and the various factors that predict its spread.

One surprising finding is the lack of overlap between the predictors of electoral autocracy and democratization. While one might expect similar predictors for both transitions, the opposite is true. The adoption of multi-party elections in autocracies depends on different factors than those predicting democratization.

International factors play a significant role in the spread of electoral autocracy. The regional contagion effect suggests that being surrounded by other electoral autocracies predicts the transition to electoral autocracy, while being surrounded by democracies predicts democratization. International engagement and pressure also influence the adoption of multi-party elections, with political globalization and trade dependence having significant effects.

Socioeconomic factors also play a role, but in an unexpected way. Contrary to the prevailing Notion that development and equality lead to democratization, it is countries with low development and high inequality that are more likely to adopt multi-party elections. This is because electoral autocracies can more easily control large masses of poor voters through electoral patronage.

The influence of political factors is also evident. Political globalization, as measured by membership in international organizations, predicts the adoption of multi-party elections, while trade dependence on other electoral autocracies influences this transition. Furthermore, recent coups and weak regime stability are often followed by transitions to electoral autocracy.

Other factors, such as the presence of political parties and legislatures, political violence, and protest activity, also have varying influences on the adoption of multi-party elections.

In conclusion, the puzzle of electoral autocracy and its spread can be better understood by examining a range of factors. This article has shed light on the significant role played by international factors, socioeconomic factors, and political factors in predicting the adoption of multi-party elections in autocratic regimes. Further research and case studies are needed to gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding this topic.

Highlights

• The adoption of multi-party elections in autocracies is influenced by different factors than those predicting democratization.
• International factors, such as regional contagion and political globalization, play a significant role in the spread of electoral autocracy.
• Socioeconomic factors reveal that low development and high inequality predict the adoption of multi-party elections in autocracies.
• Political factors, including recent coups and weak regime stability, also Shape the transition to electoral autocracy.
• Further research and case studies are needed to Delve deeper into the complexities of electoral autocracy and its spread.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between electoral autocracy and democratization? A: Electoral autocracy refers to autocratic regimes that allow legal multi-party competition, while democratization involves the transition to a democratic form of government.

Q: What role do international factors play in the spread of electoral autocracy? A: International factors, such as regional contagion and political globalization, influence the transition to electoral autocracy by surrounding countries and international engagement and pressure.

Q: What are the socioeconomic factors that predict the adoption of multi-party elections in autocracies? A: Contrary to expectations, countries with low development and high inequality are more likely to adopt multi-party elections. This is because electoral autocracies can more easily control large masses of poor voters through electoral patronage.

Q: How do political factors influence the transition to electoral autocracy? A: Political factors, such as recent coups and weak regime stability, often precede the transition to electoral autocracy. The presence of political parties and legislatures also has varying influences on the adoption of multi-party elections.

Q: What further research is needed in this field? A: Additional case studies and research are required to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the spread of electoral autocracy and its various influencing factors.