Thematic working group the challenge of autocratisation
Investigating the global trend of autocratisation and the challenges this presents for Germany and Europe.
BackThis horizontal topic investigates the global trend of autocratisation and the challenges it poses to Germany and Europe
The past two decades have witnessed a consolidation of authoritarianism worldwide and an erosion of democratic systems (“democratic backsliding”), even within EU member states. The trend towards autocratisation has significant implications for political and civil liberties, and is associated with adverse effects on the predictability of foreign policy, regional stability and interstate conflicts. The developments are a challenge for German foreign policy interests, such as energy and resource security and global governance.
It is crucial to understand how autocratisation unfolds in relevant countries. What variants of autocratisation can be identified? What are the specific local, regional and global drivers of this development? Who are the defining actors? What are their strategies and instruments? How exactly does autocratisation affect the domestic, foreign and economic policies of the states involved? What are the implications for the international order? And how do autocratisation and armed conflict interact?
Dealing with authoritarian and autocratising states raises many questions for Germany and its partners: What are Germany and Europe’s objectives in relation to specific policy areas? What conflicting aims emerge? How much will is there to actively shape developments concerning global governance, regional stabilisation or political transformation? And what instruments and leverage are available to Germany and the EU?
SWP Publications
-
Turkey on the Path to Autocracy
Economic Consequences and Policy Options for the EU and Germany
SWP Comment 2025/C 20, 07.05.2025, 6 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025C20
-
Israel’s Radical Government
Dismantling the Separation of Powers, Takeover of the State Apparatus, and Accelerated Annexation
SWP Comment 2025/C 18, 22.04.2025, 8 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2025C18
-
Turkey’s Authoritarian Turn: İmamoğlu’s Arrest and Europe’s Strategic Dilemma
Erdoğan expects that Turkey’s rising importance in the security realm will force Europe to ignore his crackdown on the opposition. But without basic democratic foundations, Turkey cannot be a credible security partner, say Hürcan Aslı Aksoy and Salim Çevik.
Point of View, 25.03.2025 -
Javier Milei’s Ideology and Policy
Libertarian Populism in Argentina
SWP Comment 2024/C 37, 04.09.2024, 8 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2024C37
-
Putin’s “Re-election”
An Undemocratic, Authoritarian Plebiscite
SWP Comment 2024/C 09, 13.03.2024, 7 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2024C09
External Publications
-
Turkey’s Electoral Map Explained: Actors, Dynamics, and Future Prospects
in: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Article, 04.06.2024 (online) -
Growing Public Discontent in Turkey: A Breaking Point for Autocracy?
in: European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), Mediterranean Yearbook 2024 (online) -
Local Elections Show Turkey’s Democratic Resilience
in: Arab Center Washington DC, 02.05.2024 (online)