Author(s)

Yang Sun

Corresponding Author

Yang Sun

Abstract

This study investigates the paradoxical relationship between the expansion of electoral power and the entrenchment of autocracy in modern political systems. By examining the three foundational pillars of autocratic stability - legislation, repression, and co-optation - we provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the underlying reasons for autocratic regimes delegating authority to a broader electorate. We argue that this seemingly counterintuitive strategy ultimately serves to prolong the longevity of autocratic regimes by bolstering legitimacy, facilitating more precise repression, and enhancing the effectiveness of co-optation. By analyzing the complex interplay between these factors, we demonstrate how seemingly democratic gestures, such as expanding electoral power, can contribute to authoritarian regimes' persistence and resilience.

Keywords

comparative politics; autocracy; electorate; democratization