Security and Popular Support for Illiberalism: The Case of Mexico

• In Event: Popular Support for Democracy in Lower and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Previous research has linked the economic or political performance of governments to popular support for democracy. We argue that, in addition to these facts, the capacity of the government to provide physical security should also influence the level of popular support for democracy. Unlike previous research, we compare how willing individuals are willing to trade liberal norms and institutions for better performance of the government in providing economic well-being and physical security. Using two survey experiments, we find that citizens are far more likely to surrender liberal institutions for greater guarantees of physical safety than employment. This research shows that physical safety is a far more important factor in what explains popular support for elements of democratic rule.

Author

• Darin Self, Brigham Young University