POL112H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Path Dependence, George Tsebelis, Democracy Promotion
Document Summary
Democracy has eroded in venezuela, ecuador, bolivia, and nicaragua. Honduras experienced a coup and democratic breakdown in 2009. Democracy remains weak in guatemala, haiti, and paraguay. Democracy is stronger in brazil, chile, costa rica, uruguay, mexico, and colombia. Bolivia, ecuador, and nicaragua have followed the venezuelan pattern. Presidents were elected as older established parties were rapidly losing ground. Presidents used initial popularity to undermine traditional parties. Undercut mechanism of accountability and promoted intolerance towards the opposition. Exploited the commodities boom to firm up political support. Expanded state control of the economy, especially in oil and gas sectors. High levels of socioeconomic development (gdp per capita) Solid state governments with strong political institutions (independent judiciaries) President is granted an array of autocratic powers that erode checks and balances. Venezuela under hugo chavez (1999-2013) and nicolas maduro (2013-present) is a good example. Features the use, abuse and non-use of the law in service of the executive branch.
