From Democracy to Autocracy: Political Regimes for Dummies

Description

Can you recognize a democracy when you see one? Did you know that dictatorships often have constitutions, popular elections and the word "democracy" in their country's name? How can we make sense of different political terms, from socialist to autocratic, from republican to populist? What's the difference between a state and a government? This presentation will introduce the audience to basic terms and concepts in political science and illustrate them with contemporary and historical examples from around the world.

Program Takeaways

• Understand various types of political regimes, including different forms of nondemocracy.
• Discuss the criteria used to distinguish democratic forms of government from other types of political regimes, such as dictatorships.
• Learn about some factors contributing to democratic stability or breakdown and why autocracies have persisted throughout history.
• Discuss how regime type is linked to various political outcomes, such as international conflict and globalization.