https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/POLS5245?type=COREThe recent worldwide trend of democratic backsliding has put a dent into the accuracy of the triumphant narrative according to which the world was on the path toward a state in which "democracy is the only game in town". This trend persists despite the diverse democratic traditions and political systems in place globally. As a result, democratic backsliding has occupied the minds of political scientists and policy makers. Hence, we now know a great deal about how democratic backsliding occurs and the factors that contribute to it. What we know much less about is how to resist it. In other words, while the authoritarian playbook is fairly well known, the same cannot be said for the resistance playbook. With this in mind, the first part of the course is designed to provide students with an understanding and conceptualization of democratic consolidation, democratic backsliding, and democratic resilience. We will also watch a documentary on Brazilian democracy together. You do not need to watch it beforehand. In the second part of the course, we will look more closely at sources of resilience, such as voters and various structural factors, and possible paths of resistance (institutional, political and social). In this part we will also look at empirical examples of successful resistance in different arenas of contestation. We will examine different actors such as opposition parties, independent media, courts, and civil society actors and their different strategies of resistance. Finally, we will play a simulation game in which we will apply our knowledge of democratic resistance. The course aims to equip students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of democratic resilience and resistance. Our course discussions (papers, chapters, articles) as well as the course papers, which students will develop, shall revolve around it.