Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

A series of pro-democracy uprisings and protests across the Arab world beginning in 2010 that challenged authoritarian regimes.

The gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms, leading to increased autocratic control without an outright coup. It often involves weakening checks and balances and restricting civil liberties.

A governing system characterized by concentrated power, limited political freedoms, and minimal political pluralism.

The study and comparison of different forms of authoritarian regimes to understand their structures and behaviors.

A hybrid regime with formal democratic institutions but unfair advantages for incumbents.

A political system that appears democratic but operates with authoritarian controls and limited political freedoms in practice.

The gradual weakening of democratic institutions and norms, often leading to reduced political freedoms and accountability without immediate regime change.

The use of constitutional means to erode liberal democratic principles while maintaining formal democratic structures.

A governing system with elections but limited civil liberties and weakened rule of law.

Levitsky and Ziblatt identified regimes combining authoritarian practices with nominal democratic institutions, undermining genuine competition.

A political system where a leader claims to represent the 'true people' against elites and uses authoritarian tactics to consolidate power. It often undermines democratic norms.

A form of authoritarian rule that maintains democratic institutions and elections but restricts freedoms and manipulates processes to stay in power.