The global spread of soft authoritarian rule hollows out liberal democratic institutions and principles from within by using electoral majorities and the law that confers formal legitimacy. The talk will delineate how these new political practices march to a different rhythm of democracy using very similar instruments in various societies, which allow soft authoritarian leaders to also keep in step with one another. It will also explore how these strategies are here to stay as they are intertwined with crony capitalism, ethno-nationalism and demographic panics. Toxic masculinity that is part of the mix fuels attacks on women’s rights and especially reproductive rights.
The event is hosted by the Centre for African and Development Studies (CeSA) of the University of Lisbon and EADI.
When: 11th July 2023 at 19:00 Lisbon / 20:00 CET
Where: Room CGD in the Quelhas building at the ISEG Campus, Rua do Quelhas 6, 1200-781 Lisbon