The first objective of the course if for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of autocratization in current global politics. The concept of autocratization will be discussed and contrasted to that of democratization. Students will learn and discuss how autocratization is measured by leading independent assessing institutions (e.g. V-Dem, EUI, Freedom House).
The second objective of the course is for students to acquire conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge of the meanings, causes, and effects of populism as well as its historical and current character in various contexts. Thereby, students will be able to understand the role of populism, if any, in countries undergoing a reversal in the quality of democracy. The students will also develop the ability to assess different academic perspectives on populism and to independently and critically analyze populist rhetoric, as well as the social, economic and political conditions that promotes the growth of populism. The course includes and analyzes prominent recent examples of populist leaders and regimes, including tools they have used to come to power and keep it.