POLI4496 · Political Science

Democracy and Political Mediation in the Global South

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This seminar proposes to explore the variation in democratic outcomes across the Global South. Why have some states remained democratic while others have experienced various forms of authoritarianism? Why are political parties stronger in some countries than others? The course will start with a discussion of institutional legacies such as colonialism to account for the transition to and consolidation (or not) of democracy. Looking at empirical evidence from different regions, such as Latin American and the Caribbean, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, the course will provide a dynamic and comparative overview of democratic institutions, such as political parties and party systems, discuss informal linkages between citizens and political parties, review the broader implications of development for democratic stabilization and look at the impact of institutional reforms such as decentralization on political participation and the exercise of citizenship.