Mimicking Democracy to Prolong Autocracies

Open Access

Abstract

The article discusses the role of pseudo-democratic institutions in the resilience of autocratic regimes. According to the authors, authoritarian governments have become more skilled at manipulating these institutions since the end of the Cold War, leading to longer-lasting dictatorships. It is suggested that the legalization of opposition political parties and their incorporation into legislative bodies and regular elections can often be a sign of autocratic entrenchment rather than genuine political liberalization. Other topics include legitimacy, resource allocation, and international pressure.