EdX

Democratic to Authoritarian Rule (edX)

Democratic to Authoritarian Rule (edX)

Learn how countries have shifted from democracies to authoritarian societies. This event is part of Michigan’s Teach-Out Series which provides just-in-time community learning opportunities for participants around the world to come together in conversation with the U-M campus community, including faculty experts.

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How does history help us understand today’s political climate?
Political systems in many countries around the world have shifted from more democratic to more authoritarian tendencies. A deeper understanding and knowledge of this past can inform how we understand contemporary political changes.

This Teach-Out will bring together expert knowledge about democracies and the processes that erode democratic decision-making and structures. By examining historical and comparative patterns, learners will gain a better understanding of contemporary politics.

What you'll learn

  • Make better sense of political changes by thinking systematically about different kinds of impediments to democratic politics and decision making
  • Become familiar with steps through which political systems move toward greater authoritarian rule
  • Learn frameworks to assess how contemporary changes relate to democratic vs. authoritarian tendencies
  • Interact with others for greater critical appreciation of changing political structures and processes
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