Democracy and Democratization in Comparative Perspective

Why do democracies rise and fall? This live online course explores the conditions that foster democracy’s emergence and sustainability, with a focus on the transformative “Third Wave of Democratization” that reshaped regions like Latin America, Southern Europe, East Asia, Africa, and the former Soviet Union over the last three decades. As the wave stalls—half of global democracies are now in decline and authoritarianism resurges in countries like Turkey, Hungary, India, Brazil, and the USA—new questions arise. Why are illiberal populism and “benevolent authoritarianism” (e.g., China’s model) gaining momentum?

Using a comparative politics approach, this course examines the causes, processes, and consequences of democratization, as well as the challenges of democratic decline in diverse societies.

What You’ll Explore:

• Theories and Trends: Master key concepts, models, and debates surrounding democratization and its global trajectory.
• Transitions: Compare significant cases of transitions from dictatorship to democracy.
• Backsliding: Analyze the causes behind nations that stall in partial democracy or revert to authoritarianism.
• Challenges: Assess the struggles faced by democracies in plural societies with deep social and ethnic divides.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define and discuss various models of democracy.
• Understand global democratization trends and key theoretical frameworks.
• Evaluate the factors that drive shifts from authoritarianism to democracy.
• Analyze the role of international actors in promoting democracy.
• Apply theoretical tools to study democratization in specific regions or cases.
• Assess the link between democracy, violence, and institutional stability in divided societies.

Who Should Join?

This course is ideal for undergraduates, graduate students, and mid-career professionals in government, politics, international relations, or democratization. Whether you’re seeking structured support with a live tutor or have a passion for comparative politics, this course will equip you with the tools to analyze global democratic trends.

Register Today:

Don’t miss out—join us for a comprehensive exploration of democracy and democratization.

Register today to gain the knowledge and skills to understand and navigate the challenges of global democracy!