FIGHTING AUTOCRATIZATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE PEACE

APA full citation: Filho, C. I. (2024, October 9). Fighting Autocratization for a Sustainable Peace. EBS I&D Centre. https://www.ebscentre.org/law-and-politicalscience/

Abstract

Autocratization, the process of democratic backsliding towards authoritarian rule, poses a significant threat to sustainable peace. Sustainable peace extends beyond the cessation of violence, encompassing political inclusion, justice, human rights, and accountable governance. This article explores the ways in which autocratization undermines these pillars, leading to political instability, repression, and conflict. Key mechanisms of autocratization, including electoral manipulation, curtailing civil liberties, judicial capture, and executive overreach, exacerbate tensions and impede conflict resolution efforts. The article emphasizes the critical role of civil society, free media, and international actors in resisting autocratization, alongside strategies such as electoral reform, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting political pluralism. By fortifying democratic institutions and leveraging international pressure, the global community can mitigate the effects of autocratization and work toward lasting peace. The article concludes that resisting autocratization is essential for creating the conditions necessary for sustainable peace, characterized by inclusivity, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Keywords: justice, autocratization, democratic backsliding, sustainable peace, electoral manipulation, repression, fundamental rights, authoritarian rule, political instability

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Foreword

Autocratization refers to a process where political regimes experience a regression in democratic norms, principles, and practices, resulting in increased authoritarian rule. Over the last decade, the global political landscape has witnessed a concerning trend of democratic backsliding, with various countries experiencing an erosion of democratic institutions, civil liberties, and political pluralism (Lührmann & Lindberg, 2019). Autocratization undermines not only democratic governance but also sustainable peace. This article discusses the mechanisms by which autocratization threatens sustainable peace and explores strategies for resisting this trend to ensure lasting peace.

The Threat of Autocratization to Sustainable Peace

Sustainable peace is more than the absence of violence; it includes the presence of justice, political inclusion, human rights, and accountable governance (Galtung, 1969). Autocratization undermines these pillars by concentrating power in the hands of a few, limiting political competition, and restricting freedoms of speech, assembly, and the press. Countries experiencing autocratization often face increased political polarization, corruption, and repression, which can exacerbate conflict and instability (Bermeo, 2016).

Autocracies are also less likely to engage in sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms, opting instead for coercion or militarized approaches to suppress dissent (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). This not only increases the potential for internal conflict but also diminishes opportunities for inclusive dialogue that can lead to long-term peace. The absence of robust democratic institutions weakens civil society's capacity to advocate for peace and hold governments accountable for human rights abuses and corrupt practices, both of which are key to preventing conflict recurrence (Diamond, 2020).

Mechanisms of Autocratization

Autocratization typically follows a path of gradual erosion of democratic checks and balances. Key mechanisms include:

Manipulation of Elections: Leaders seeking to consolidate power often undermine electoral processes by limiting opposition access to resources, manipulating electoral rules, or outright falsifying results (Schedler, 2002). These practices create political environments where citizens cannot freely choose their leaders, leading to political alienation and frustration, which can trigger unrest.

Curtailing Civil Liberties: Autocratizing regimes frequently target independent media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and opposition parties, stifling political competition and free expression (Freedom House, 2020). These actions suppress dissent and prevent the development of a pluralistic political discourse, which is necessary for resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

Judicial Capture: Autocratic leaders often exert control over judicial institutions, removing independent judges and replacing them with loyalists (Mechkova, Lührmann, & Lindberg, 2017). This undermines the rule of law, as courts become tools for consolidating power rather than upholding justice and protecting human rights.

Executive Overreach: In many cases, autocratization is marked by the concentration of power in the executive branch, often through constitutional changes or emergency decrees (Ginsburg & Huq, 2018). This undermines the separation of powers, allowing leaders to rule unchecked by legislative or judicial institutions.

The Role of Civil Society in Resisting Autocratization

Civil society plays a crucial role in resisting autocratization and promoting sustainable peace. In many cases, civil society organizations (CSOs) serve as watchdogs, advocating for transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. In countries experiencing democratic backsliding, civil society actors often work to protect human rights, mobilize citizens, and provide platforms for political discourse that counter the authoritarian narrative (Carothers & Brechenmacher, 2014).

Additionally, international networks of CSOs have been effective in drawing attention to autocratization trends, pressuring autocratic regimes through advocacy and strategic partnerships with global institutions (Levitsky & Way, 2010). This external pressure, combined with domestic resistance, can create a multi-level resistance to autocratic tendencies.

For example, movements like the Arab Spring showed that grassroots mobilisation can play a pivotal role in challenging authoritarian rule, although these movements are also a reminder that the transition to democracy is fraught with challenges and requires sustained support from both domestic actors and the international community (Howard & Hussain, 2013).

Strengthening Democratic Institutions to Promote Peace

Resisting autocratization requires a multifaceted approach that strengthens democratic institutions and promotes political inclusion. 

Among the key strategies we can cite several such as: (a) Electoral Reform: Ensuring free and fair elections is critical to preventing the manipulation of electoral processes. International organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) can provide electoral monitoring and technical support to safeguard electoral integrity (Norris, 2014); (b) Strengthening Rule of Law: Independent judicial institutions are essential for maintaining checks on executive power and protecting human rights. Judicial reforms that promote transparency, independence, and accountability are crucial in resisting autocratization (Mechkova et al., 2017); (c) Supporting Free Media and Civil Society: A vibrant civil society and independent media are key to promoting democratic governance and holding leaders accountable. Supporting press freedom and civil society organizations through funding, legal protections, and international solidarity can help counter efforts to suppress dissent (Freedom House, 2020); and (d) Promoting Political Pluralism: Ensuring political pluralism through constitutional protections for opposition parties and proportional representation in government bodies can foster inclusive political systems that reduce the risk of conflict and autocratization (Diamond, 2020). Political institutions that are responsive to diverse voices can facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote long-term stability.

The Role of International Actors

International actors have a significant role to play in combating autocratization. Multilateral organizations, such as the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and African Union (AU), can leverage diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and technical assistance to support democratization efforts and hold autocratizing regimes accountable (Levitsky & Way, 2010).

Moreover, development aid can be strategically deployed to support democratic reforms and strengthen institutions that are vital for peacebuilding. For instance, the provision of aid contingent on the recipient government's commitment to democratic norms and anti-corruption measures can create incentives for maintaining democratic governance (Carothers & Brechenmacher, 2014).

Conclusion

Fighting autocratization is essential for achieving sustainable peace. As autocratic regimes consolidate power through the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties, they create conditions ripe for conflict, corruption, and human rights abuses. By strengthening democratic institutions, supporting civil society, and leveraging international pressure, the global community can resist autocratization and foster conditions for lasting peace. Sustainable peace requires not only the absence of war but the presence of accountable governance, political inclusion, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Carlos I. Filho

References

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Carothers, T., & Brechenmacher, S. (2014). Closing space: Democracy and human rights support under fire. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Diamond, L. (2020). Ill winds: Saving democracy from Russian rage, Chinese ambition, and American complacency. Viking.

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Howard, P. N., & Hussain, M. M. (2013). Democracy's fourth wave? Digital media and the Arab Spring. Oxford University Press.

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