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Dynamic Democratic Backsliding
Democratic backsliding occurs incrementally, but the empirical study of how citizens respond to undemocratic politicians has been predominantly static. I formulate and test predictions about how different sequences of backsliding shape accountability. Using a novel preregistered experiment (N = 4,234) capturing the reality that democratic transgressions are committed by elected officials incrementally, I find that a majority of American respondents—against the backdrop of partisan and policy interests—are willing to electorally remove the incumbent as episodes of democratic backsliding unfold. Moreover, incumbents who incrementally decrease the severity of democratic transgressions are held accountable in a more timely manner than incumbents who incrementally increase the severity. By establishing a new experimental framework to study democratic backsliding, my dynamic approach not only paints a more nuanced picture of Americans’ willingness to defend democracy, but also demonstrates that sequence matters in shaping voter behavior amid incremental transgressions of democracy.
Date:
28 October 2025, 12:30
Venue:
Nuffield College, New Road OX1 1NF
Venue Details:
Lecture Theatre (L staircase)
Speakers:
Speaker to be announced
Organising department:
Nuffield College
Organiser:
Desmond King (Nuffield College)
Part of:
Nuffield College Political Science Seminars
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
Members of the University only
Editor:
Maxine Collett
