The “Backsliders” and What We Can Do About Them – In Conversation with Susan Stokes
In a recent article in the Journal of Democracy, Susan Stokes examines several questions that arise from this phenomenon: Why is there an increase in democratic erosion at this point in history? What factors leave some countries more at risk than others? And, perhaps most importantly, what can be done to counter these developments?
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Book Reviews
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12.05.2026
Beyond Populism: Two ways of Rethinking the Contemporary Right
Recent scholarship on the contemporary right has generated an abundant vocabulary: populism, authoritarianism, illiberalism, democratic backsliding. These terms capture real [...]
8.05.2026
Who Gets to Be European?
The word Europe has countless definitions. More often than not, most of them refer only to Western Europe. The book What is European? On Overcoming Colonial and Romantic Modes [...]
Podcasts and interviews
All Interviews and Podcasts14.05.2026
The “Backsliders” and What We Can Do About Them – In Conversation with Susan Stokes
In a recent article in the Journal of Democracy, Susan Stokes examines several questions that arise from this phenomenon: Why is there an increase in democratic erosion at this point in history? [...]
11.05.2026
How to Secure Democracy After Authoritarianism? Venezuela and the Problem of Credible Transitions
The conversation explores how concepts such as adverse selection and signaling help explain this dynamic, and what it would take for democratic leaders to build trust with key actors. It also [...]