New Books in Political Science The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies
Dec 7, 2025
Susan C. Stokes, a leading political scientist at the University of Chicago, delves into the surprising reasons why elected leaders undermine their democratic foundations. She identifies global patterns of backsliding, discussing tactics used by leaders across various countries. Stokes emphasizes the importance of public resistance and voting as crucial strategies to counteract erosion. She also offers practical advice for U.S. democracy defenders, highlighting the need for reforms and rebuilding trust in institutions. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for understanding today's democratic challenges.
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Opportunity Plus Inclination Drives Backsliding
- Structural shifts plus leader inclination create backsliding opportunities and outcomes.
- Right-wing ethno-nationalist parties exploit party realignment and inequality to erode democracies.
A Global Playbook For Eroding Democracy
- Backsliding can come from left or right but shares common drivers like high inequality.
- Leaders across regions use a disturbingly similar playbook to weaken institutions.
Use Slow Procedures To Buy Time
- Use parliamentary and bureaucratic delay to slow executive aggrandizement and allow counter-mobilization.
- Slowing gives courts and civil society time to respond effectively.
