Description

Elections and Illusions: Pseudo-Democracies and Electoral Authoritarianism by Jeremy Riley delves into the complex world of electoral authoritarianism, where the appearance of democracy is manipulated to sustain authoritarian power. Through detailed case studies of regimes in Russia, Venezuela, Egypt, and other regions, Riley explores how these governments employ elections, media control, legal manipulation, and the suppression of political opposition to maintain the illusion of democratic legitimacy. The book examines the psychological and social effects on citizens, who are led to believe that they have a genuine role in the political process, despite the outcomes being heavily controlled. Riley investigates how international powers engage with such regimes, often prioritizing stability over democracy, and challenges the notion that elections alone are a true reflection of a nation's democratic health. Elections and Illusions offers a critical analysis of the fine line between legitimate governance and the undemocratic forces that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly democratic institutions, ultimately posing questions about the future of democracy in an increasingly authoritarian world.

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