Articles tagged with Authoritarianism
The report highlights three major trends in democratic backsliding: democratic backsliding in stable democracies, reversals in democratized countries, and deepening autocracy in existing autocracies. Freedom of Expression and liberal aspects of democracy show the most drastic declines globally.
A new book, 'Music and Political Imprisonment in Pinochet’s Chile', exposes the brutal realities of torture during the dictatorship through the power of music. Survivors like Ana María Jiménez recount how they used songs to comfort each other and resist their captors.
A new database on Brazil's domestic slave trade is part of a larger study on social segregation and the nation-state in Latin America. The research has shed light on racial hierarchies, labour conditions, and the consolidation of citizenship.
Researchers analyzed Facebook posts from populist parties in 13 European countries and found they often use controversial issues and anti-liberal language. These tactics are used to steer public discussion away from problem-solving and instead create division in society.
Researchers develop an indicator to predict the possibility of genocide based on escalating human rights abuses, including declining workers' rights, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The sequence of violations can culminate in mass atrocities, with the United Nations ultimately deciding whether they meet the criteria for genocide.
A new study from Arizona State University and the University of Michigan explores the strategic trade-offs individuals make when facing punishment for dissent. The research reveals that self-censorship is a rational response shaped by the interplay of boldness, surveillance, and punishment severity.
Victims of enforced disappearances experience prolonged uncertainty and ambiguous loss, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health professionals lack clear guidance on treating these cases, highlighting a need for evidence-based treatments and policy changes.
A new study reveals the personal diaries of teenage boys in Stalin's Russia, offering insights into their daily lives, family struggles, and experiences under Soviet rule. The diaries, written between 1930 and 1941, provide a unique perspective on life during this tumultuous period.
The Taliban has chosen to maintain a delicate balance with local violent jihadi groups, prioritizing economic links and old ties over direct confrontation. This cooperation has significant security implications for the region and beyond.
A recent study found that politicians with narcissistic, psychopathic, or Machiavellian traits contribute to greater hostility towards opponents and deepen emotional divides. The researchers suggest that these 'dark' leaders pose risks to democratic processes by weakening public discourse and social cohesion.
A new study reveals Japanese citizens broadly susceptible to illiberal narratives, posing risks to Japan's political discourse. The research found that illiberal narratives exert a stronger influence than mainstream democratic messaging.
The world is facing critical challenges like climate change and inequality, which require international cooperation. However, scientific freedom is under threat due to illiberal and authoritarian governments, economic power, and digital media. FAPESP has played a crucial role in defending scientific freedom in Brazil.
A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers finds that Chinese contractors win significantly more contracts in authoritarian countries with similar economic profiles to China. In contrast, democratic countries with strong institutions limit business opportunities for Chinese firms.
A new study warns that human civilization is poised for a significant transformation as industrial civilization declines, giving rise to a postmaterialist, clean energy-based system. Rising authoritarianism poses a threat to this transition.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
A new study surveyed over 6000 people from six countries, finding a global consensus on the definition of democracy. Competitive elections and civil liberties are consistently prioritized as key components of democracy, making it more likely for citizens to identify undemocratic behavior.
A new study reveals that Brazil's democracy has been weakened by authoritarian populism, which has undermined welfare systems and human rights protections. This has created an exclusionary view of citizenship and intensified social conflicts, posing a threat to the country's democratic future.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to increased support for democracy, income redistribution, and the European Union among Europeans. Attitudes towards authoritarianism and anti-immigration views decreased as a result.
The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.
A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...
A new study finds that elite coaches are migrating to Western countries due to dual imbalances between sending and receiving nations. Researchers interviewed Korean coaches who sought better coaching environments with more modernisation and athlete welfare.
Researchers found that autocratic regimes have a higher degree of control over transit networks, enabling state-led monitoring and control of internet traffic. This is achieved through state-owned entities dominating transit networks in poorer but politically similar countries.
A German-American research team created an 'atlas of internet surveillance' by mapping the global ownership of internet service providers. The study shows that authoritarian states control more influential internet service providers than democracies, and often use state-owned transit networks to surveil and censor content. Additionally...
A new study published in Electoral Studies found that voting advice applications have short-term effects on voter attitudes and choices in competitive authoritarian regimes. However, these effects are relatively small and dissipate within two months, limiting their practical value in such contexts.
A new study on the role of polls in South Korea highlights the limitations of polling in a democratic society. The research finds that technology, methodology, intentions, and reporting can affect poll results, leading to a social construction of public opinion influenced by pollsters and media.
A study published in Political Geography reveals that Putin's autocratic leadership appeals to people with close-minded personalities who value tradition and don't trust science. The research found consistent support for Putin across six neighboring countries, with men and older generations showing higher approval rates.
Research by the University of Exeter reveals that those with authoritarian political views are more concerned about terrorism and border control than new health pandemics. This study suggests COVID-19 does not disproportionately affect authoritarian concern for social divisions in British society.
Researchers found that Facebook labels reduced users' engagement on social media if they noticed them, particularly for posts from Russia and China. The labels, introduced in 2020, aim to combat propaganda efforts by foreign governments.
Experts warn of increasingly sophisticated strategies used by kleptocrats to manage illicit finances, recast public images, and undermine liberal activism. The study identifies 'transnational uncivil societies' that use wealth managers, lawyers, and other enablers to maintain power and legitimacy.
A research study by Binghamton University finds that Ukrainian ballet training centers have formed robust and inclusive communities, mirroring modern Ukrainian society. Dancers defend their national identity through classical art while exploring ideas of nation.
A new study by MIT researchers finds that China's government uses AI-driven facial recognition to suppress dissent, but this approach also spurs the development of better AI tools and other innovative technologies. The study suggests that this 'AI-tocracy' cycle entrenches the regime while stimulating further innovation.
Funding agencies emphasized the need for reciprocal collaborations, equal access to research data, and clear intellectual property standards. The discussion aimed to promote responsible internationalization and address concerns about politics and security issues among countries.
A recent study found that a person's epistemic thinking style can be shaped by their social, political and economic environment during the first 25 years of life. The research suggests that those who experienced a transition to democracy in middle age tend to exhibit absolutist thinking, while younger generations with higher education ...
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that sanctions on wealth managers would be more effective than asset seizure in crippling Russia's oligarchs. The research uses network science to map the connections between wealthy individuals and their financial experts, revealing a vulnerable network that can be disrupted with targ...
A study published in a book highlights the concentration of land ownership in Brazil, which leads to rural conflicts and violence. The authors argue that the rural population is drastically underrepresented in politics and lacks formal representation to defend its interests.
A large study reveals that access to modern military technology substantially reduces the probability of democratisation of authoritarian regimes. The spread of ground-breaking 29 military technologies in all independent states from 1820-2010 confirms connections between state's access to specific weapons, economy, and form of government.
Researchers found that online fans in China engage in participatory censorship, self-censoring and policing others to strengthen the authoritarian regime's control over the internet. The study suggests that users create a social imaginary of censorship, speculating about the government's parameters and acting upon it.
A new project led by Dr Rosana Pinheiro Machado will investigate the links between precarious work and authoritarian politics in Brazil, India, and the Philippines. The research aims to understand how economic growth has fueled the rise of aspirational classes and growing work precariousness.
A new study found that over two-thirds of UK social scientists believe their academic freedom is at risk, with internationalisation and the rise of authoritarian states like China being major concerns. The survey also showed that academics are reluctant to self-censor when teaching students from autocratic states in the UK.
A team of political scientists argues that a self-enforcing democracy requires parties to refrain from exploiting electoral rules, citing fear of retaliation and partisan sorting. The study highlights the threat of gerrymandering and voter suppression to democratic representation.
A recent discovery at Tikal reveals a previously unknown neighborhood designed to replicate Teotihuacan's citadel, sparking new insights into the interaction between the two civilizations. Excavations found evidence of occupation and surveillance, as well as artifacts linking Tikal to Teotihuacan's imperial power.
A new study reveals a strong connection between infection rates and strains of authoritarianism in public attitudes and politics. The research found that the more infectious US cities and states had more authoritarian-leaning citizens, with correlations between higher disease rates and conservative voting patterns.
A new study published in the Social Bulletin of Psychology found that right-wing authoritarianism is more closely tied to how people acquire positive attitudes than changing them. The researchers suggest that individuals with RWA tend to be more sensitive to negative information, leading them to stick to positive information and avoid ...
A study of 30 pre-modern societies found that societies with broad, equitable tax systems and functioning bureaucracies were more likely to have open political institutions and prioritize public well-being. This challenges the notion that democracy is a modern Western phenomenon.
Research from Leipzig Authoritarianism Study 2020 shows a decline in xenophobic attitudes, but old resentments are paired with new radicalism. The study found that authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes remain a threat to German society.
Rogers M. Smith advocates for a new narrative of American identity that champions greater inclusiveness, respect, and egalitarianism. This approach can help build progressive coalitions and defeat narrower nationalist visions, such as Trump's America First agenda.
A study by North Dakota State University and HSE University found a positive correlation between Russian's latent dissent at work and emotional burnout. Employees often express dissent through venting to co-workers or friends rather than management, leading to burnout and work-life imbalance.
A new study from Binghamton University found that benevolent leadership styles have a positive impact on employee performance, while authoritarian leadership has negative effects. The researchers discovered that showing compassion to employees motivates them to be better workers and increases job satisfaction.
Research found that women who experience workplace incivility are more likely to engage in strict, controlling parenting practices, which can have a negative impact on their children. The study also suggests that this type of parenting is associated with various negative child outcomes.
Researchers found a strong connection between supporting a society led by an authoritarian leader and being sensitive to body odours. The study suggests that disgust plays a role in shaping ideological attitudes, with people who are more disgusted being more likely to vote for authoritarian candidates.
A comprehensive study of legislative elections in 91 democracies found that half experienced substantial voter decline. Factors contributing to low turnout differ by country and regime change context. The study suggests exposure to democratic practice is not the main reason for decreased participation.
A new study published in the European Journal of Political Research reveals that women's civil rights are essential for countries to become fully democratic. The research indicates that the failure to foster women's rights compromised any attempt at democratic governance in the Arab Spring countries.
Experts argue that authoritarian leaders effectively mobilize public support using discourse that aligns with the country's history and traditions. The study analyzes Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's presidents' rhetoric between 1997-2015.
A study found that dictatorships remain stable 87% of the time following a leader's death, whereas other forms of leadership exit result in stability only 43% of the time. This is likely due to loyal followers who support the status quo and have an incentive to preserve their privileged access to office.
A study by Rosario Signorello found that speakers with a wide range of frequency variation in their voices are more likely to be perceived as dominant. The researchers also discovered that speakers with a low fundamental rate of vocal fold vibration are perceived as more dominant than those with high F0 frequencies.
A study by Dr Chris Platts found that Premier League soccer stars regularly insult and mock junior players as part of a humiliating rite of passage. The research highlights the need for radical changes in football's culture to produce better players.
A Baylor University study found a positive association between religiosity and loving attitudes toward other racial and ethnic groups, but not those who violate values. Researchers studied 389 religiously diverse adults in an online survey to examine the relationship between religiosity and love of neighbors.