(iPoster) Comparing Democracy Indices: Choice in Sub-Indexes and Aggregation Methods

• In Event: Poster Session: Democracy and Autocracy I

Abstract

　　　There is considerable variation in democracy indices, ranging from those established over half a century ago to those developed in recent years. Although these democracy indices shows a certain level of correlation each other, it has been noted that this correlation has been declining since the early 2000s. In some cases, such as Hungary and Venezuela, where democratic regression has been observed, significant differences in ratings among democracy indices have emerged. These cases include countries that had previously high democracy scores before experiencing democratic backsliding. Given that democracy indices encompass a wide variety of political regimes—from dictatorships to highly democratic systems—it is notable that a group of countries with relatively high democracy scores exhibits discrepant ratings. Identifying the reasons for these discrepancies would benefit studies that rely on democracy indices.
　　　Previous research has focused on sub-indicators and the aggregation methods used to compile multiple sub-indices. It has been suggested that the aggregation of sub-indices can be used to typologize democracy , rather than rank them according to a single democracy measure. The discrepancy in democracy ratings may stem from differences in the types of democracy represented by high and low scores on specific indicators.
　　　This paper examines sub-indicators in a group of countries with relatively high democracy scores to identify the causes of differences in democracy evaluations across various indices and to explore the types of democracy that emerge from specific patterns of high and low indicator scores.
　　　Using the V-Dem Liberal Democracy Index as a benchmark, we compare the rankings of OECD countries on three other democracy indicators—Freedom House, Polity IV, and Vanhanen—to identify countries with notable rating differences. We then analyze these individual countries to determine which sub-indices and aggregation methods influence these rating disparities. Additionally, we will examine the original intent behind each democracy index at the time of its development.

Author

• Mizuho Nakada-Amiya, Meijigakuin University