What's Behind Democratic Backsliding? A Comparative Study of Indonesia, Tunisia, and Turkey

Abstract

Over the past decade, Tunisia, Indonesia and Turkey have experienced democratic dynamics that show a downward trend, despite previously being seen as models of successful democratic transitions in their respective regions. This study analyses the causal factors and compares the dynamics that drive democratic backsliding in the three countries using a qualitative approach based on a literature study. It uses the theory of democratic backsliding as an analytical framework. The results show that strategic manipulation of elections, executive aggrandizement, and restrictions on civil liberties are common patterns that emerge. In Indonesia, the weakening of democratic institutions such as the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) and the Constitutional Court or Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK) as well as regulations restricting freedom of expression, show the characteristics of a flawed democracy. In Tunisia, the constitutional coup by President Kais Saied led to the consolidation of power and the transition to a hybrid regime. While in Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's change of political system accelerated the shift towards electoral authoritarianism. This article contributes to an enriched understanding of democratic backsliding in developing countries and highlights the importance of maintaining a balance of power and civil liberties in sustaining a healthy democracy.