Civil Society in the Shadow of Democratic Backsliding

Backsliding Governments Shift Civic Space Rather than Close It 

In a three-country case study of Hungary, Poland, and Croatia, researchers found that in the face of democratic backsliding, autocratic regimes use a variety of mechanisms to reorganize civic space rather than completely close it. This study asserts that backsliding governments uphold the facade of democracy by promoting, funding, and even co-opting civil society organizations that align with their ideologies while dismantling and de-funding organizations that do not. The study found that traditionalist organizations were expanded and consulted in policy-making decisions, while feminist and women’s rights organizations were restricted. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of a shrinking/shifting democratic space and how it impacts certain organizations.

Relationship Between Autocratic Governments and Civil Society Actors Differs By Sector 

In a study focused on three sectors of Hungarian civil society, researchers found that the government used a strategy of embracing or excluding organizations, depending on the sector. The study found that human rights, democracy promotion, and women’s rights organizations were the main target of government repression, environmental protection organizations were co-opted, and conservative organizations were expanded. Researchers assert that civil society actors have used a variety of mechanisms to address government actions, such as terminating operations, obeying, changing the organization’s legal form (such as establishing small enterprises to finance their activities), or shifting to social media for funding and targeting their audience. This research can inform how development practitioners provide sector-specific support to civil actors in an autocratic state.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!