Project Title: Public Opinion and Democratic Backsliding
Project Description: On July 25, 2021, Tunisian President Kais Saied enacted an emergency declaration that, in effect, fired the Prime Minister, suspended parliament, and set the country on an anti-democratic course. In recent years, a similar tale has played out in countries around the globe. Despite vastly different social, cultural, and economic circumstances, the story has remained largely the same: a political party or candidate is elected democratically, then dismantles checks-and-balances or passes laws that limit rights and freedoms, weaken political opposition, and increase presidential power. In Tunisia, I analyze why citizens tolerate democratic backsliding even as they prefer democracy to other systems of government. I then compare the Tunisian case to two other countries that have experienced executive aggrandizement in recent years: Brazil in South America and Malawi in East Africa. I argue that in Tunisia, most citizens have a liberal conceptualization of democracy but were presented with a trade-off and gave up some democratic rights and freedoms in return for an improved economy, less corruption, and a government that promised to deliver on key substantive outcomes. In Brazil and Malawi, no such trade-off existed: citizens viewed anti-democratic presidential candidates as primarily responsible for their nations’ economic, political, and public health failures. This led to increased engagement in civil society and greater judicial independence, which ultimately fueled democratic resilience.
Most Important Accomplishment: For the moment, I’d say improving my writing skills. But hopefully more to come!
Reflections on the College Scholar Program: As a College Scholar, I love the support and advice I’ve received from fellow members of the program. Talking about big ideas in an interdisciplinary way is fun — and my plans for my own researched project have developed significantly from it. The program’s openness and flexibility also allow me to enroll in courses that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to take, which I greatly appreciate.