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Fear of campaign violence and support for democracy and autocracy

Author

Listed:
  • Inken von Borzyskowski

    (Department of Political Science, University College London, UK)

  • Ursula Daxecker

    (Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands)

  • Patrick M. Kuhn

    (School of Government and International Affairs, University of Durham, UK)

Abstract

Election violence is common in many developing countries and has potentially detrimental implications for democratic consolidation. Drawing on political psychology, we argue that citizens’ fear of campaign violence undermines support for democracy while increasing support for autocracy. Using individual-level survey data from 21 electoral democracies in Sub-Saharan Africa, we find robust support for our argument. Citizens fearing campaign violence are less likely to support democracy and multi-party competition, more likely to favor a return to autocracy, and less likely to turn out to vote. Our findings have important implications for democratic survival and provide further impetus for reducing electoral violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Inken von Borzyskowski & Ursula Daxecker & Patrick M. Kuhn, 2022. "Fear of campaign violence and support for democracy and autocracy," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 39(5), pages 542-564, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:39:y:2022:i:5:p:542-564
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942211026319
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