Your browser is ancient!
Upgrade to a different browser to experience this site.

Skip to main content

Democracy

Democratic to Authoritarian Rule Teach-Out

Arun Agrawal

U-M School for Environment and Sustainability

How does history help us understand today’s political climate? Political systems in many countries around the world have shifted from more democratic to more authoritarian tendencies. A deeper understanding and knowledge of this past can inform how we understand contemporary political changes.

This Teach-Out will bring together expert knowledge about democracies and the processes that erode democratic decision-making and structures. By examining historical and comparative patterns, learners will gain a better understanding of contemporary politics.​

This Teach-Out will answer:
- How can history help us understand today's political climate and the shift from democratic to authoritarian tendencies in various countries?
- What expert knowledge about democracies and the erosion of democratic decision-making and structures will be shared?
- How can examining historical and comparative patterns provide a better understanding of contemporary politics?
- What are the different kinds of impediments to democratic politics and decision making, and how can thinking systematically about them help make sense of political changes?
- What are the steps through which political systems move toward greater authoritarian rule, and how can learners become familiar with them?
- What frameworks can be used to assess how contemporary changes relate to democratic vs. authoritarian tendencies?
- How can interaction with others lead to a greater critical appreciation of changing political structures and processes?

View all details