In recent years, the African continent has witnessed a concerning resurgence of military coups, which pose significant challenges to democratic governance. Since 2020, Africa has experienced a series of coups that have profoundly altered political landscapes and raised critical questions about the continent’s democratic trajectory. These events underscore deep-seated structural issues, including economic hardship, corruption, security challenges, and political instability.
Beyond Africa, the broader Global South faces similar concerns about democratic decline. Scholars have increasingly highlighted the intersection of economic and political instability as contributing factors. In addition, postcolonial societies are deeply influenced by external economic and political processes, often imposed without local input, which may exacerbate conditions leading to military interventions or foster anti-imperialist sentiments. Within these popular discourses, nations such as Russia and China are often perceived as more sympathetic to the needs and aspirations of these societies, challenging traditional Western influences.
This panel aims to critically examine democratization processes in the Global South by addressing two dimensions: the role of military coups in shaping democratization trajectories and the influence of the Global North on the understanding of democracy. By exploring these themes, the panel seeks to enhance understanding of how internal and external dynamics impact the prospects for sustainable democracy in the Global South.
