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Hybrid Regimes: A Path in Transition or the New Political Norm?
On authoritarianism, democracy, and the misconceptions that shape global politics
According to the Pew Research Center, . Totalitarian regimes, common in the 20th century, have ceased to exist, with rare exceptions like the DPRK (North Korea). Compared to even half a century ago, there is less repression, war, and violence, while more political freedom, mobility, and freedom of speech.
However, one of the key topics in the public discourse remains the so-called “authoritarian backsliding” — the idea that governments started to roll back democratic norms and consolidate power. We see it constantly: most post-Soviet regimes have abandoned the idea of power rotation, legitimizing it through constitutional amendments. In Myanmar, the military overthrew the democratic government, democracy in Venezuela lasted only 32 years. But what is really happening?
Today`s forecast: a 100% chance of democratization
The disappointment we experience is caused by the inflated expectations of the late 20th century. We saw one victory after another: the West German constitution worked better than its neighbor’s, South Korea outplayed the North…
