Subnational Authoritarianism in Federal Democracies: A Comparative Analysis of India and Brazil

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards subnational authoritarianism in federal democracies. This phenomenon is particularly evident in India and Brazil, two of the largest and most populous democracies in the world. In both countries, strong regional leaders have emerged who have been able to consolidate their power and erode democratic institutions at the subnational level.

Boundary Control: Subnational Authoritarianism in Federal Democracies (Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics)

by Edward L. Gibson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2173 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	210 pages
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This article examines the rise of subnational authoritarianism in India and Brazil. It argues that the combination of weak central governments, strong regional leaders, and fragmented party systems has created conditions conducive to the emergence of authoritarian rule at the subnational level.

The Rise of Subnational Authoritarianism in India

India is a federal republic with a parliamentary system of government. The country is divided into 28 states and 7 union territories, each of which has its own elected government. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards subnational authoritarianism in India. This trend is most evident in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power since 2017. The party's chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, is a Hindu nationalist who has been accused of promoting religious intolerance and violence. Adityanath has also been criticized for his autocratic style of rule. He has cracked down on dissent and muzzled the press.

In Bihar, the Janata Dal (United) has been in power since 2015. The party's chief minister, Nitish Kumar, is a former socialist who has increasingly embraced authoritarian tactics. Kumar has cracked down on crime and corruption, but he has also been accused of suppressing dissent and undermining democratic institutions.

In West Bengal, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has been in power since 2011. The party's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, is a charismatic leader who has been praised for her populist policies. However, Banerjee has also been accused of being authoritarian and intolerant of dissent. She has cracked down on political opponents and muzzled the press.

The rise of subnational authoritarianism in India is a serious threat to democracy. The strong regional leaders who have emerged in recent years are undermining democratic institutions and eroding the rule of law. If this trend continues, India's democracy could be in danger.

The Rise of Subnational Authoritarianism in Brazil

Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential system of government. The country is divided into 26 states and 1 federal district, each of which has its own elected government. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards subnational authoritarianism in Brazil. This trend is most evident in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais.

In Rio de Janeiro, the Social Liberal Party (PSL) has been in power since 2018. The party's governor, Wilson Witzel, is a former federal judge who has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses. Witzel has also been criticized for his authoritarian style of rule. He has cracked down on crime and corruption, but he has also been accused of suppressing dissent and undermining democratic institutions.

In São Paulo, the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) has been in power since 2019. The party's governor, João Doria, is a businessman who has been praised for his pro-business policies. However, Doria has also been accused of being authoritarian and intolerant of dissent. He has cracked down on political opponents and muzzled the press.

In Minas Gerais, the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) has been in power since 2015. The party's governor, Romeu Zema, is a former businessman who has been praised for his fiscal conservatism. However, Zema has also been accused of being authoritarian and intolerant of dissent. He has cracked down on political opponents and muzzled the press.

The rise of subnational authoritarianism in Brazil is a serious threat to democracy. The strong regional leaders who have emerged in recent years are undermining democratic institutions and eroding the rule of law. If this trend continues, Brazil's democracy could be in danger.

The rise of subnational authoritarianism in India and Brazil is a worrying trend. This trend is the result of a combination of weak central governments, strong regional leaders, and fragmented party systems. If this trend continues, it could pose a serious threat to democracy in both countries.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the rise of subnational authoritarianism. First, it is important to strengthen central governments. This can be done by providing them with more resources and authority. Second, it is important to promote the development of strong and independent political parties. This can be done by reforming electoral systems and providing financial support to

Boundary Control: Subnational Authoritarianism in Federal Democracies (Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics)

by Edward L. Gibson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE