Leaders target the media in the process of consolidating their rule
Question 1: Why do leaders target the media in the process of consolidating their rule? Question 2: How might Russia and China undermine democracy? Even if they do not intend to export their models of authoritarianism, what are the different pathways that their actions could affect levels of democracy globally? Question 3: What is the relationship between ethnic diversity and democracy?
Russia and China have been accused of attempting to undermine democracy globally through various means. One way is by providing support for authoritarian regimes around the world, such as those in Syria or Venezuela which greatly weaken democratic processes in those countries (Zuckerberg 2019). They could also influence elections abroad by influencing voting behavior or supporting political parties with similar ideologies (Urdal et al., 2017). Additionally, they may use cyber warfare techniques such as disinformation campaigns or hacking attempts which can significantly interfere with elections and lead to distrust among citizens towards democratic systems. Finally, they could promote illiberal values on a global level as seen with Russia’s support for far-right groups or China’s interpretation of “harmonious society” reforms which often contradict core principles associated with democracy (Gries 2017).
The relationship between ethnic diversity and democracy is complex due to variations across different contexts. In some cases ethnic diversity can be beneficial for fostering democratic practices as it encourages pluralism within a society while allowing all voices to be heard on issues related not only governance but also policy making (Dahl 2006). On the other hand, certain forms of diversity can lead to social conflict if groups become too divided along ethno-cultural lines leading them into competition over resources or perceived grievances against one another (Tresch 2018). This kind of situation often results in increased levels of polarization thus hindering any efforts towards democratization. Ultimately then it seems that whether ethnic diversity will enhance or undermine democracy depends upon how nations address potential tensions among populations before they arise into full blown crises that threaten national stability