Democratic resilience amid capitalist pressures: Lessons from Bangladesh’s institutional backsliding
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Arnaud Kurze
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
Introduction: This research explores how Bangladesh’s democratic institutions are weakening under the combined influence of global capitalism and authoritarian governance. The study asks whether emerging democracies can sustain institutional resilience in the face of democratic backsliding and whether democracy can coexist with dominant capitalist forces. Bangladesh’s current political trajectory suggests that external capitalist interests and internal authoritarian trends are contributing to a decline in democratic norms. These trends are often overlooked or even endorsed by established democracies, leading to what scholars call the “normalization of democratic deficits.” Methods: The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. It examines constitutional amendments, shifts in judicial independence, and institutional reforms from 1991 to 2024. Data sources include Wharton Research Data Services, government documents, public legal records, and media reports. Analytical frameworks from democratic theory and the concept of “justicecraft” are applied to assess how actors use legal tools, coalition-building, and civic engagement to push back against authoritarian practices. Results: The findings show that Bangladesh’s democratic backsliding is often masked by procedural legitimacy, such as elections or court rulings, which conceal deeper institutional erosion. Economic dependency and global market pressures facilitate legal manipulation and weaken democratic safeguards. However, the research also identifies areas of resistance. Strategic litigation, multi-sector coalitions, and transnational activism have emerged as counterforces. These findings suggest that while democracy is under threat, it can survive if supported by strong legal institutions, equitable policy frameworks, and active civic engagement.
Democratic resilience amid capitalist pressures: Lessons from Bangladesh’s institutional backsliding
Introduction: This research explores how Bangladesh’s democratic institutions are weakening under the combined influence of global capitalism and authoritarian governance. The study asks whether emerging democracies can sustain institutional resilience in the face of democratic backsliding and whether democracy can coexist with dominant capitalist forces. Bangladesh’s current political trajectory suggests that external capitalist interests and internal authoritarian trends are contributing to a decline in democratic norms. These trends are often overlooked or even endorsed by established democracies, leading to what scholars call the “normalization of democratic deficits.” Methods: The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. It examines constitutional amendments, shifts in judicial independence, and institutional reforms from 1991 to 2024. Data sources include Wharton Research Data Services, government documents, public legal records, and media reports. Analytical frameworks from democratic theory and the concept of “justicecraft” are applied to assess how actors use legal tools, coalition-building, and civic engagement to push back against authoritarian practices. Results: The findings show that Bangladesh’s democratic backsliding is often masked by procedural legitimacy, such as elections or court rulings, which conceal deeper institutional erosion. Economic dependency and global market pressures facilitate legal manipulation and weaken democratic safeguards. However, the research also identifies areas of resistance. Strategic litigation, multi-sector coalitions, and transnational activism have emerged as counterforces. These findings suggest that while democracy is under threat, it can survive if supported by strong legal institutions, equitable policy frameworks, and active civic engagement.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.