In recent years, democracy has confronted surprising challenges in countries, such as the United States where pluralism is well established. What explains the current crisis and what are the prospects for democracy in America and the rest of the world? Why are autocrats such as Trump in the United States and Viktor Orbán in Hungary suddenly so popular? To what extent is Canada vulnerable to populism? This course will provide an introduction to the study of democracy and dictatorship with a focus on recent events, such as the election of Trump, that threaten long existing institutions.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics