Democratic to Authoritarian Rule Teach-Out

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?