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Lessons About Backsliding and Resistance
Research

Lessons About Backsliding and Resistance

Despite cases of democratic backsliding having multiplied around the world during the past 15 years, it is hard to escape the impression that policymakers and aid providers who engage in supporting democracy internationally have been slow to develop adequate frameworks for understanding and responding to them.

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By Thomas Carothers
Published on Mar 21, 2025
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About the Author

Thomas Carothers

Harvey V. Fineberg Chair for Democracy Studies; Director, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program

Thomas Carothers, director of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, is a leading expert on comparative democratization and international support for democracy.

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Thomas Carothers
Harvey V. Fineberg Chair for Democracy Studies; Director, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program
Thomas Carothers
DemocracyPolitical Reform

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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