17.2 Erosion of Democratic Institutions and Norms
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Democratic institutions in Latin America face erosion as populist leaders exploit crises and undermine checks and balances. Tactics include manipulating elections, intimidating judges, and controlling media. This gradual process chips away at institutional safeguards, concentrating power in the executive branch.
Populist leaders use divisive rhetoric, scapegoating minorities and opponents while claiming to champion "the people." Once in power, they seek to extend their authority, often amending constitutions to eliminate term limits. This leads to declining political pluralism and rising .
Undermining Democratic Institutions
Tactics Used to Erode Democracy
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- Manipulating electoral processes by changing voting rules, gerrymandering districts, or intimidating voters
- Intimidating or co-opting the judiciary through threats, bribery, or appointing loyal judges
- Suppressing or controlling media outlets by revoking licenses, imposing censorship, or buying out critical media
- Gradual process of eroding trust in institutions, delegitimizing opposition, and concentrating power in the executive branch
- Slowly chipping away at institutional checks and balances over time
- Portraying opposition as unpatriotic, corrupt, or a threat to national security
- Expanding executive powers at the expense of the legislature and judiciary (emergency powers, executive decrees)
Exploitation of Crises by Populist Leaders
- Populist leaders exploit social, economic, or political crises to justify their actions and consolidate power
- Presenting themselves as saviors who can solve the crisis and restore order
- Using the crisis as a pretext for expanding executive powers or cracking down on opponents
- Crises may include economic recessions, security threats, or political scandals (Venezuela's economic collapse, Peru's corruption scandals)
- Weakening of democratic institutions leads to decline in political participation, increased corruption, and lack of accountability
- Citizens become disillusioned and disengaged from the political process
- Lack of institutional checks enables corruption and abuse of power to flourish
- Reduced accountability allows leaders to act with impunity and ignore the rule of law
Populist Leaders and Democratic Erosion
Populist Rhetoric and Tactics
- Populist leaders present themselves as outsiders championing the interests of "the people" against corrupt elites and institutions
- Claiming to represent the true will of the people against a rigged system
- Promising to drain the swamp, end corruption, and return power to the people
- Use divisive rhetoric, scapegoating, and appeals to nationalism or identity politics to mobilize support
- Blaming immigrants, minorities, or foreign powers for the country's problems (Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, Bolsonaro's attacks on indigenous groups)
- Stoking fear and resentment among their base to maintain loyalty
- Appealing to nationalist pride or nostalgia for a glorious past
- Attack or delegitimize opposition parties, civil society organizations, and other groups that challenge their authority
- Labeling opponents as traitors, terrorists, or agents of foreign powers
- Undermining the credibility of NGOs, unions, and other civil society groups
- Encouraging supporters to harass or intimidate critics and opponents
Concentration of Power by Populist Leaders
- Once in power, populist leaders seek to concentrate authority in the executive branch and extend their term limits
- Bypassing or weakening legislative and judicial checks on their power
- Packing courts with loyal judges or removing troublesome justices
- Amending constitutions to eliminate term limits or expand presidential powers ( in Bolivia, in Nicaragua)
- Erosion of democratic norms leads to decline in political pluralism, suppression of dissent, and rise of authoritarian tendencies
- Opposition parties are marginalized or banned outright
- Critical media outlets are shut down or taken over by government allies
- Peaceful protests are met with violence and arbitrary arrests
- Loyal supporters are rewarded with government jobs and contracts while opponents face discrimination
Weakening of Checks and Balances in Latin America
Expanding Presidential Powers
- In some Latin American countries, presidents have sought to expand their powers by weakening legislative and judicial branches
- Using executive decrees to bypass the legislature and govern unilaterally
- Manipulating impeachment processes to remove rival legislators or judges ('s impeachment in Brazil)
- Calling for constitutional assemblies to rewrite the rules in their favor (Venezuela under Chávez and Maduro)
- Absence of effective checks and balances enables populist leaders to consolidate power and pursue anti-democratic policies
- Removing presidential term limits to enable indefinite rule
- Cracking down on opposition parties, media outlets, and civil society groups
- Engaging in corrupt practices and human rights abuses with impunity
Undermining Judicial Independence
- Tactics used to undermine checks and balances include packing courts with loyal judges and manipulating judicial processes
- Expanding the size of high courts to add more government-friendly justices
- Lowering retirement ages or imposing term limits to remove independent-minded judges
- Using disciplinary procedures to punish or remove judges who rule against the government
- Weakening of leads to lack of accountability, increased corruption, and erosion of rule of law
- Judges become beholden to the executive branch rather than the constitution
- Politically sensitive cases are decided in the government's favor regardless of the law
- Corrupt officials and human rights abusers are shielded from prosecution
- Citizens lose faith in the integrity and impartiality of the justice system
Consequences of Democratic Backsliding
Political Instability and Illegitimacy
- refers to the gradual deterioration of democratic institutions, norms, and practices
- Incremental weakening of checks and balances, civil liberties, and electoral integrity
- May occur through legal means such as constitutional amendments or emergency decrees
- Erosion of democratic institutions leads to increased political instability as groups compete for power outside democratic channels
- Disillusionment with democracy fuels support for authoritarian alternatives
- Marginalized groups may resort to protests, strikes, or even violence to make their voices heard
- Possibility of coups, civil unrest, or armed insurgencies increases
- Democratic backsliding results in decline in government legitimacy as citizens lose faith in the political system
- Elections are seen as rigged or meaningless, leading to voter apathy and cynicism
- Government is viewed as corrupt, incompetent, or beholden to special interests
- Lack of legitimacy makes it harder for government to implement policies and maintain order
Economic and Governance Challenges
- Weakening of democratic governance leads to increased corruption, nepotism, and misallocation of public resources
- Public officials abuse their power to enrich themselves and their allies
- Government contracts and jobs are awarded based on connections rather than merit
- Vital infrastructure and social services are neglected in favor of prestige projects or handouts to supporters
- Democratic backsliding has negative economic consequences as investors lose confidence in the political environment
- Unpredictable or arbitrary government policies increase risk and deter investment
- Corruption and weak rule of law increase the cost of doing business
- Capital flight and brain drain as wealthy individuals and skilled professionals seek opportunities elsewhere
- In extreme cases, democratic backsliding can lead to complete breakdown of democracy and rise of authoritarian regimes
- Populist leaders may suspend elections, dissolve legislatures, and rule by decree (Fujimori's self-coup in Peru)
- All opposition is banned or driven underground, media is fully controlled by the state
- Repression and human rights abuses become widespread as the regime seeks to maintain its grip on power
Key Terms to Review (21)
Anti-establishment movements: Anti-establishment movements are collective actions and political ideologies that seek to challenge and undermine established institutions, practices, and elites within a society. These movements often arise from a perceived disconnection between the ruling powers and the general populace, advocating for significant changes in governance, policies, and social norms to empower marginalized groups or disrupt the status quo.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by concentrated power in a single authority or small group, where individual freedoms are often restricted and political opposition is limited or suppressed. This form of governance can arise in various historical contexts and is often linked with instability, military influence, and challenges to democratic norms.
Civil society mobilization: Civil society mobilization refers to the collective actions and efforts of organizations, groups, and individuals within a society to advocate for change, promote social causes, and influence public policy. This process plays a crucial role in holding governments accountable and fostering democratic engagement, particularly in contexts where democratic institutions and norms are eroding.
Coup d'état: A coup d'état is the sudden and illegal seizure of government power, typically executed by a small group that may include military leaders or political factions. This act often disrupts the existing political order and can lead to significant changes in governance, including the concentration of power in the hands of a few. In many cases, coups are driven by dissatisfaction with the current administration, a desire for reform, or even external influences, and they can significantly impact democratic institutions and norms.
Daniel Ortega: Daniel Ortega is a Nicaraguan politician who has served multiple terms as the President of Nicaragua, first from 1985 to 1990 and then from 2007 to the present. His presidency is marked by increasing authoritarianism, a decline in democratic norms, and the erosion of political institutions, reflecting broader trends in Latin American governance.
Democracy promotion: Democracy promotion refers to the efforts made by governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to encourage and facilitate the establishment and strengthening of democratic governance in various countries. This concept is often connected to foreign policy strategies that aim to support democratic institutions, processes, and norms in regions where they are weak or under threat. The idea is that promoting democracy can lead to political stability, economic development, and improved human rights.
Democratic backsliding: Democratic backsliding refers to the gradual decline in the quality of democracy and the erosion of democratic institutions, norms, and practices within a political system. This process often involves the weakening of checks and balances, diminishing civil liberties, and the undermining of electoral integrity, ultimately leading to authoritarianism or illiberal governance. The implications of democratic backsliding can be profound, affecting not only the political landscape but also the social and economic fabric of a society.
Dilma Rousseff: Dilma Rousseff was the 36th President of Brazil, serving from 2011 until her impeachment in 2016. As the first woman to hold this office in Brazil, her presidency was marked by significant economic challenges, political controversies, and corruption scandals that shaped contemporary Brazilian politics.
Disinformation campaigns: Disinformation campaigns are coordinated efforts to deliberately spread false or misleading information with the intent to deceive or manipulate public opinion. These campaigns often aim to undermine trust in democratic institutions and norms, creating confusion and division among the populace. They can be executed through various media platforms, exploiting social media and news outlets to reach a broad audience and influence political outcomes.
Evo Morales: Evo Morales is a Bolivian politician who served as the country's first Indigenous president from 2006 to 2019, representing the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. His presidency marked a significant shift in Bolivia's political landscape, focusing on social justice, indigenous rights, and nationalization of key industries.
Executive overreach: Executive overreach refers to situations where a president or executive branch of government exceeds its constitutionally granted powers, often encroaching on the authority of the legislative or judicial branches. This can undermine the system of checks and balances crucial to democratic governance, leading to an erosion of democratic institutions and norms. In presidential systems, particularly in Latin America, this concept is vital as it highlights tensions between the need for strong leadership and the risks of authoritarianism.
Foreign intervention: Foreign intervention refers to the involvement of one country in the affairs of another, often through military, economic, or political means. This can occur for various reasons, including humanitarian aid, political influence, or securing national interests. The impact of foreign intervention can significantly alter a nation’s political landscape, especially in regions experiencing instability or conflict.
Hugo Chávez: Hugo Chávez was a Venezuelan politician and military officer who served as the President of Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013. He is best known for his implementation of socialist policies, known as 'Chavismo', which aimed to reduce poverty and promote social welfare, while also fostering a confrontational relationship with the United States and advocating for Latin American integration.
Institutional resilience: Institutional resilience refers to the ability of institutions to withstand and adapt to challenges and stresses while maintaining their core functions and legitimacy. This concept is crucial for understanding how democratic institutions can survive pressures that threaten their stability, particularly during times of political turmoil or crises.
Judicial independence: Judicial independence refers to the principle that the judiciary should remain free from external pressures and influences, allowing it to make decisions based solely on the law and facts of each case. This concept is crucial for maintaining a fair and impartial legal system, ensuring that judges can rule without fear of retribution or bias. When judicial independence is upheld, it reinforces the rule of law and acts as a safeguard against abuses of power by other branches of government.
Lula da Silva: Lula da Silva is a Brazilian politician and former union leader who served as the 35th President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010. His presidency is notable for significant social and economic reforms aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion, while also facing challenges related to corruption and political opposition.
Media freedom: Media freedom refers to the ability of journalists and media organizations to operate independently and report without censorship or interference from the government or other powerful entities. This freedom is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and public debate in society. When media freedom is upheld, it supports the functioning of democratic institutions and norms while ensuring that judicial independence is maintained by providing checks on power.
Political accountability: Political accountability refers to the mechanisms and processes through which political leaders and institutions are held responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring that they act in the public interest. This concept emphasizes the importance of transparency, answerability, and responsiveness within a political system, fostering trust between citizens and their government. Effective political accountability is crucial for maintaining democratic governance and preventing abuses of power.
Political polarization: Political polarization refers to the growing ideological distance and division between political parties and their supporters, often leading to extreme partisanship and a lack of compromise. This phenomenon can result in a fragmented political landscape where opposing sides are unwilling to engage with one another, affecting governance and social cohesion.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and voices of ordinary people, often contrasting the elite or established institutions. It can take various forms and is typically characterized by charismatic leaders who claim to speak for the common citizen, often using rhetoric that emphasizes a divide between 'the people' and 'the elite.' This approach has significantly influenced various political movements and ideologies across different historical contexts.
Social protest: Social protest refers to the organized public demonstration of dissent and demand for change regarding social, political, or economic issues. This phenomenon often arises in response to perceived injustices, violations of rights, or the erosion of democratic values, prompting individuals and groups to mobilize and express their grievances through various forms of collective action. Social protests can highlight the failures of institutions, challenge government policies, and seek to reclaim rights or push for systemic reforms.