Media Control
What percentage of the global population lives in autocracies?
71%
(p. 15)
What type of political transformation often leads to economic challenges in transitioning democracies?
Autocratization (pg 24).
Which country shifted from a military regime to a consolidated democracy?
South Korea
What is one main component of the Liberal Democracy Index (LDI)?
The Electoral Democracy Index (EDI), measuring free and fair elections
(pg 18).
What does “bell-turn” mean?
Bell-turns are episodes where democratization is closely followed by autocratization.
(p. 25)
What percentage of the population in East Asia lives under autocratic regimes?
78%
(p. 14)
How does economic success impact autocratic legitimacy?
It provides legitimacy despite democratic deficits, as seen in China
How do autocracies undermine freedom of expression?
Through media restrictions and suppression of dissent
What does the Liberal Component Index (LCI) measure?
Rule of law, checks on executive power, and civil liberties
(p. 9 & 52)
Which autocratic nation has seen significant resistance movements from civil society?
Belarus
A high-profile corruption scandal emerges, implicating top government officials. How does your regime respond?
Electoral Democracy: Launch an independent investigation to rebuild trust.
Liberal Democracy: Protect press freedom and ensure independent oversight.
Electoral Autocracy: Suppress the story and delegitimize opposition media.
Closed Autocracy: Arrest journalists and censor all reports.
“Freedom of expression is increasingly under attack, with autocracies using censorship and legal intimidation to suppress dissent”
A trade partner threatens sanctions unless you address labor abuses. How do you respond?
Electoral Democracy: Initiate reforms to meet demands.
Liberal Democracy: Strengthen labor protections and lead by example.
Electoral Autocracy: Promise superficial changes to avoid sanctions.
Closed Autocracy: Ignore demands and strengthen autocratic alliances.
Mass protests erupt over economic inequality. How do you respond?
Electoral Democracy: Address grievances through dialogue and reforms.
Liberal Democracy: Protect freedom of assembly while pursuing redistributive policies.
Electoral Autocracy: Offer limited concessions to diffuse unrest.
Closed Autocracy: Suppress protests through force.
International observers question the legitimacy of your elections. What do you do?
Electoral Democracy: Conduct an independent audit.
Liberal Democracy: Ensure transparency and strengthen processes.
Electoral Autocracy: Frame criticism as foreign interference.
Closed Autocracy: Ignore criticisms entirely.
A regional ally collapses into civil unrest. What is your strategy?
Electoral Democracy: Offer mediation and support democratic transitions.
Liberal Democracy: Use diplomatic influence and international forums to restore stability.
Electoral Autocracy: Exploit instability to extend influence.
Closed Autocracy: Strengthen borders to prevent spillover effects.
Social media platforms expose corruption in your government. What do you do?
Electoral Democracy: Engage in dialogue and use the exposure to push for reforms.
Liberal Democracy: Support digital transparency while investigating the claims.
Electoral Autocracy: Censor the platforms and launch pro-government campaigns.
Closed Autocracy: Block social media entirely and target users spreading the information.
A key trading partner transitions to democracy and demands human rights compliance in future agreements. How do you respond?
Electoral Democracy: Use the opportunity to improve labor and human rights practices.
Liberal Democracy: Collaborate on shared democratic values to create robust agreements.
Electoral Autocracy: Stall negotiations while implementing superficial changes.
Closed Autocracy: Sever trade ties and seek alternative partners.
A whistleblower leaks government documents revealing corruption at the highest level. What’s your response?
Electoral Democracy: Launch an investigation and increase whistleblower protections.
Liberal Democracy: Ensure transparency and accountability through independent oversight.
Electoral Autocracy: Discredit the whistleblower and tighten information controls.
Closed Autocracy: Arrest the whistleblower and suppress all coverage.
Opposition parties accuse your government of voter suppression ahead of an election. How do you address the situation?
Electoral Democracy: Investigate the claims and implement safeguards for fair elections.
Liberal Democracy: Strengthen electoral institutions and invite international observers.
Electoral Autocracy: Use legal mechanisms to delegitimize opposition claims and maintain control.
Closed Autocracy: Ban opposition parties and heavily restrict electoral processes.
A global forum criticizes your regime for undermining democratic institutions. How do you respond?
Electoral Democracy: Commit to institutional reforms and engage diplomatically.
Liberal Democracy: Defend your record and lead initiatives to support global democracy.
Electoral Autocracy: Dismiss the criticism as biased and double down on internal propaganda.
Closed Autocracy: Restrict international cooperation and declare the forum illegitimate.
A foreign journalist reports on human rights abuses within your country, sparking international condemnation. How do you respond?
Electoral Democracy: Issue a statement ensuring transparency and investigate the claims.
Liberal Democracy: Support freedom of the press and cooperate with international human rights organizations.
Electoral Autocracy: Expel the journalist, citing "false reporting," and increase propaganda.
Closed Autocracy: Deny entry to foreign media and launch disinformation campaigns.
Your country relies heavily on an autocratic trade partner, but they demand political concessions. What do you do?
Electoral Democracy: Seek alternative trade partners to reduce dependency.
Liberal Democracy: Uphold democratic values, even at economic cost, while negotiating multilateral support.
Electoral Autocracy: Concede politically while maintaining the appearance of independence.
Closed Autocracy: Comply fully with demands to secure economic benefits.
A major natural disaster devastates your country. How do you respond, considering governance constraints?
Electoral Democracy: Mobilize government resources and cooperate with NGOs and international donors.
Liberal Democracy: Ensure transparency in aid distribution and strengthen disaster response institutions.
Electoral Autocracy: Centralize aid distribution to enhance the regime’s image, restricting NGO involvement.
Closed Autocracy: Prioritize elite areas for recovery while suppressing public outcry.
Citizens organize mass protests demanding electoral reforms. What do you do?
Electoral Democracy: Engage with protest leaders to draft reforms.
Liberal Democracy: Support peaceful protests and reform electoral laws transparently.
Electoral Autocracy: Suppress protests through police action while promising limited reforms.
Closed Autocracy: Ban protests and criminalize dissent.
A neighboring democracy proposes a regional alliance to promote democratic values. What is your response?
Electoral Democracy: Join the alliance to strengthen democratic governance.
Liberal Democracy: Actively lead and fund initiatives to protect democracies in the region.
Electoral Autocracy: Politely decline, citing “neutrality,” while increasing ties with autocratic regimes.
Closed Autocracy: Dismiss the offer and label it as foreign interference.