Transitology – Pathways to and from Democracy (GCHumanRights)

The MOOC runs over 5 weeks and is organised in 3 modules.

Module 1 - Transitology and Waves of Democratisation

Module 2 - Modes of Governance and Regime Consolidation

Module 3 - Backsliding of Democracy and Restoring Deficits

Course Description:

Regime change and the transition from one regime type and mode of governance to another do not say much about whether a regime is democratic or whether the rule of law, human rights, or good governance principles are adhered to. What consolidates and successfully transforms democratic institutions into ‘stable democracies’ are the pathways of participatory, inclusive, and trustworthy adherence and compliance with democratic rules and human rights.

In this MOOC, we will ask critical questions: How do countries and political regimes successfully democratise? And what are the causes of democratic backsliding? How do democracies die, and how do they recover, if at all? Together with policymakers, academic researchers, and analysts, we will explore different forms of government and look at theories explaining political and societal transitions, transformation, and consolidation of regimes. We will also present and discuss concrete examples of political transitions and regime changes in different world regions.

Registration deadline: 12 March 2023