New Publication: Democratic Backsliding in Slovenia: Mutual Reinforcement of Economic Neoliberalism and Illiberal Democracy (Author: Matjaž Nahtigal)

The German academic publishing house Nomos, in collaboration with Andrassy University in Budapest, published a collection of works entitled: Democratic Backsliding in Europe (edited by Dr. Melani Barlai et al.).

This book analyzes the political causes, mechanisms and consequences of democratic backsliding in 15 European countries; from Western Europe to the Western Balkans. In addition to country case studies, the book also offers comparative analyses that identify recurring patterns of democratic erosion. The contributions address the weakening of institutions, the rise of populist narratives, incomplete democratization processes and the strengthening of executive power. It is important to note that the diagnosis is only the first step: this book also describes concrete countermeasures at the national, European and civil society levels.

Assoc. prof. dr. Matjaž Nahtigal's contribution to the collection is entitled Democratic Backsliding in Slovenia: Mutual Reinforcement of Economic Neoliberalism and Illiberal Democracy, in which he analyses how difficult and demanding it is to establish independent, responsive and accountable public institutions, and how quickly they become vulnerable in cases of deliberate attempts to undermine them. He concludes that the best strategy for preventing democratic backsliding is to ensure a long-term successful strategy of social and economic development and equitable access to high-quality public services. This requires the development of broad social alliances, participation and cooperation between social groups to achieve common prosperity.

You can order the book here.