The end of authoritarian rule often requires the military to return to the barracks and commit to stay out of politics. Even when the military commits to democracy, it often uses its power to “bind” democracy. What are the consequences of the military using its power to set the terms of democracy?
Darin Self is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at BYU. His research is centered around the development of democratic and authoritarian regimes. Dr. Self’s current book project shows how militaries strategically design democracy based on how they expect political parties to emerge following a democratic transition.
Part of the Kennedy Center's Winter 2023 lecture series, "Building a Civil Society."