Polarization and Democratic Decay in Central Europe

• In Event: Populism, Nationalism and Backsliding: How Oppositions and Minorities Respond

Abstract

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Is polarization a cause or a consequence of democratic backsliding in Central Europe? This paper asks whether polarization precedes democratic decay or whether polarization accelerates backsliding after the initial steps have been taken to weaken liberal democracy. This study investigates two conditions that contribute to democratic decay – executive aggrandizement and contestation of sovereignty – and whether they precede, coincide or follow identity-based polarization. In analyzing how liberal democracy gets undermined, the analysis revisits the literature on democratic conditionality. Our analysis combines qualitative and quantitative data to address a relationship between polarization and democratic backsliding, bringing to bear original data derived from political statements and parliamentary transcripts on sovereignty issues, public statements of political leaders, public opinion and expert surveys.

Authors

• Lenka Bustikova, Arizona State University

• Petra R. Guasti, Goethe University Frankfurt