| ID | 147489 |
| Title Proper | Limits of the “democratic coup” thesis |
| Other Title Information | international politics and post-coup authoritarianism |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Tansey, Oisín |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Recent studies have suggested that post–Cold War coups are more likely to be followed by democratic elections than their Cold War predecessors; analysts attribute this trend to international policies of democratic conditionality. Some go so far as to argue that we live in an age of the “democratic coup.” This paper raises questions over any optimistic view of the capacity of coups to contribute to long-term democratization. An analysis of countries’ post-coup trajectories after 1991 demonstrates that there is, consistent with previous studies, a clear trend of holding elections within five years of the coup. However, I show that most countries experiencing coups fail to go on to establish high-quality democratic rule. Instead, they often consolidate into some form of authoritarian rule. The paper ratifies the importance of the international political environment but highlights the role of international autocratic sponsors. When states are strategically important or have strong linkages to non-Western autocracies, coup leaders are likely to receive international support and protection rather than condemnation and sanctions. The article illustrates these arguments by examining post-coup authoritarian consolidation in Egypt and Fiji. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Global security Studies Vol. 1, No.3; Aug 2016: p.220-234 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Global security StudiesVol: 1 No 3 |
| Key Words | Authoritarianism ; Democracy ; Coups |