Dictatorships are rising around the world. According to the Varieties of Democracy Institute, since 2009, the share of the world’s population living in what they term autocratising countries has overshadowed the share living in democratising countries. But what is dictatorship, autocracy, authoritarianism? In this module you will analyse the different forms that non-democratic rule takes. You will examine the rise of these kinds of regimes and their leaders, as well as the support and the resistance of their citizens. You will explore how dictatorships persist, why they fall, and the role of the international community. The module will explore case studies of dictatorship from China to Iraq, and draw on films, documentaries, books, and cutting-edge political science studies.
Lecture 16, Workshop 16
Reflection. Assessment Details: 1,000 Words Reading Response worth 30%.
Extended writing. Assessment Details: 3,000 Words Research Paper worth 70%.
Reassessment Method: Like for like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Systematically understand and assess the differences and similarities between authoritarian regimes, how they differ from democracies and how they have been studied in political science.
2) Demonstrate a thorough understanding of major theories of authoritarian politics, and critically assess their strengths and limitations.
3) Critically evaluate the means and conditions by which authoritarian regimes gain, retain, and lose power.
4) Apply theoretical knowledge about authoritarianism to carry out independent research on at least one current authoritarian regime.
5) Effectively articulate well-reasoned and informed arguments in assignments , showing a capacity to engage with complex ideas and debates within the field of comparative politics.
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