Democracies and Authoritarian Regimes

Democracies and Authoritarian Regimes provides a broad, accessible overview of the key institutions and political dynamics in democracies and dictatorships, enabling students to assess the benefits and risks associated with democracy, and the growing challenges to it.

Comprehensive coverage of the full spectrum of political systems enhances students' understanding of the relevance of contemporary global trends, including the nature of democratic backsliding and authoritarian resurgence, the rise of populism and identity politics, and the impact of cultural and socio-economic drivers of democracy. Each chapter features a broad range of case studies complemented by boxes that illustrate key terms, ensuring relevant research is translated in a clear, engaging format for students.

This text is supported by a range of online resources, to encourage deeper engagement with the subject matter.

For students: Regular updates to supplement the text, ensuring students are fully informed of real-time developments in the field

For lecturers: In-class assignments to reinforce key concepts and facilitate deeper, critical engagement with key topics

Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor of Government, University of Essex,Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Director of the Transatlantic Security Program, Center for a New American Security,Erica Frantz, Assistant Professor, Michigan State University

Dr Andrea Kendall-Taylor is Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and Adjunct Professor in Political Science at Georgetown University. Prior to joining CNAS, Andrea served for eight years as a senior intelligence officer. From 2015 to 2018, she was Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).



Professor Natasha Lindstaedt is Professor of Government at the University of Essex where she directs the International Development Studies Program and teaches modules in international development as well as the politics of the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Africa. She specializes in authoritarian politics, state failure, corruption and democratization.

Dr Erica Frantz is Assistant Professor in Political Science at Michigan State University. She studies authoritarian politics, with a focus on democratization, conflict, and development. She is particularly interested in the security and policy implications of autocratic rule.

Part One: Understanding Democracy and Authoritarianism
1. Defining democracy
2. Defining autocracy
3. Dysfunctional democracies and hybrid systems
4. The consequences of democracy and dictatorship
Part Two: Political Dynamics of Autocracies
5. The durability of autocracy
6. Authoritarian instability and breakdown
7. Autocratic transitions
Part Three: Drivers of Democracy
8. Economics drivers of democracy
9. Cultural, social and historical drivers of democracy
10. International drivers of democracy
11. Institutional drivers of democracy
Part Four: Contemporary Challenges to Democracy
12. The rise of populism and its impact on democracy
13. Changing patterns of democratic backsliding and breakdown
14. Conclusion