The Irregular Pendulum of Democracy: Populism, Clientelism and Corruption in Post-Yugoslav Successor States

The book "The Pendulum of Democracy" argues that the backsliding or stagnation of democracy should be interpreted in a wider perspective on irregular movements towards and away from contemporary liberal democracy. It suggests that democratic regimes may swing between a democratic end and a semi-authoritarian end, and that it is easier to analyze such movements when democracy is not consolidated yet. The book analyzes the swing of unconsolidated democracy away from the democratic end in the cases of Serbia and Montenegro and the swing back towards liberal democracy in the case of North Macedonia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 401 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of democracy, exploring the concept of backsliding or stagnation within a broader perspective of irregular movements towards and away from contemporary liberal democracy. The author employs a metaphorical framework, the "pendulum of democracy," to suggest that democratic regimes can oscillate between two endpoints: a fully developed liberal democracy and a semi-authoritarian regime characterized by competition. Importantly, the frequency of these swings is not predetermined, and democratization can lead to unpredictable fluctuations in the pendulum's motion. When democracy is still in its formative stages, such as in the three post-Yugoslav political regimes mentioned earlier, it becomes easier to observe and analyze these movements of the pendulum. This is because democratic institutions and processes are not yet firmly established, making them more susceptible to change and influence.

In the context of this book, the author delves into the dynamics of unconsolidated democracy, specifically examining the cases of Serbia and Montenegro and North Macedonia. In the former, the author highlights the swing of unconsolidated democracy away from the democratic end, characterized by the erosion of democratic institutions and processes. This trend was observed in the period following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, as these countries faced political instability, economic challenges, and the rise of authoritarianism. However, in the case of North Macedonia, the author documents a remarkable turnaround. Until 2017, North Macedonia had been developing into a competitive authoritarian regime, characterized by limited political freedoms, restrictions on civil society, and the suppression of dissent. However, the country embarked on a path of democratic recovery, marked by the restoration of democratic institutions, the promotion of human rights, and the cultivation of a vibrant civil society.

The book's analysis is grounded in a rich empirical foundation, drawing on a wide range of sources, including academic research, policy documents, and firsthand accounts. The author employs a rigorous analytical approach, employing various theories and frameworks to understand the complex dynamics of democracy and its challenges. The book also makes valuable contributions to the literature on democratization, offering insights into the factors that promote or hinder democratic transitions.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of democracy and its dynamics. By exploring the concept of backsliding or stagnation within a broader perspective of irregular movements, the author offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing democratic regimes. The use of the pendulum of democracy metaphor provides a useful framework for analyzing these movements and their implications for democracy's future. The book's empirical analysis and theoretical framework make it an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of democracy and its prospects for the future.

Weight: 683g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031256080
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023