| ID | 193679 |
| Title Proper | Antidote to Backsliding |
| Other Title Information | Ethnic Politics and Democratic Resilience |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Rovny, Jan |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Recent years have witnessed significant democratic erosion, particularly in eastern Europe. This article suggests that the explanations of democratic backsliding, largely focused on historical and post-communist experiences of the this region, fail to note the striking and counterintuitive influence of ethnic politics. Departing from an observation that democratic practices have deteriorated significantly more in eastern European countries without mobilized ethnic minorities, this article argues for the central role of ethnic politics in buttressing democracy in the region. In countries with politically organized ethnic minorities, democratic institutions and practices remain more resilient. This is because mobilized ethnic minorities provide socially rooted electorates with almost an existential need for political rights and civil liberties. Active minority engagement in politics reinforces a constitutionally liberal pole of political competition and provides a counterbalance to the primary carriers of democratic regression—illiberal parties. |
| `In' analytical Note | American Political Science Review Vol. 117, No.4; Nov 2023: p.1410 - 1428 |
| Journal Source | American Political Science Review Vol: 117 No 4 |
| Key Words | Antidote to Backsliding ; Ethnic Politics and Democratic Resilience |