(iPoster) Ruling from the Shadows: Why Regime Leaders Use Nominal Executives

• In Event: Poster Sessions: Religion and Politics & Politics of Communist and Former Communist Countries (Post-Soviet)
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Politics of Communist and Former Communist Countries (Post-Soviet)

Abstract

This research investigates why some autocratic regime leaders employ “nominal executives” —
heads of state or government who hold formal titles but lack actual governing power — and how
these appointments impact regime stability and leader duration. Through coding and analyzing a
newly compiled cross-national dataset of nominal executives in authoritarian regimes since 1946,
this project offers the first systematic data on this phenomenon. It enables scholars of
authoritarianism to identify dictators (regime leaders) who "rule from the shadows" by installing
and removing one or more presidents or prime ministers who rule in name only. This first-of-its
kind data and accompanying case study narratives of the (mis)use of nominal executives may
help political scientists explain patterns of leader duration, regime (in)stability, and (lack of)
democratization. A key question this research seeks to answer is: why do dictators appoint
nominal executives instead of concentrating power in their own hands?

Indeed, we observe that factors such as term limits, appeasing opposition and international
backers, and the incentive to shift blame for regime failures onto others may all contribute to the
use of nominal executives. For instance, term limits facilitated nominal executives in a well
known example occurred in 2008 Vladimir Putin stepped down as president due to Russia’s
constitutional two-term limit and installed Dmitry Medvedev as a nominal president. While
taking on the less powerful role of Prime Minister, Putin retained effective control, bypassing
constitutional restrictions without relinquishing real authority.

With over 1500 total cases, our dataset also tracks how the nominal executives entered and
exited office, their roles, and who was the actual leader in charge during their tenure.
Furthermore, we analyze how many different times each nominal executive was in office, and if
and when they flipped from head of government to head of state.

Authors

• Arkadzi Rakach, University of Oregon

• John Joseph Chin, Carnegie Mellon University