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Read the full article (open access!) here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

Even as the # of autocracies has risen, levels of physical repression haven’t returned to Cold War highs. Many autocracies are staying in the "liberalized authoritarian" zone rather than moving toward full closure. In other words: even insincere reforms can become embedded. 7/

2️⃣ Reversing liberal reforms is costly. Reforms are anchored in treaties, IOs, and domestic bureaucracies. They create domestic expectations and mobilizing platforms that autocrats can’t easily unwind. E.g., shutting down civil society risks backlash, protest, and defection. 6/

1️⃣ They’re useful tools of domestic political control because they bolster legitimacy, co-opt dissent, and manage opposition. Even if they were initially pursued in part to please international audiences like donors, they are now part of rulers' domestic survival strategies. 5/

We agree that there is much to worry about. But many liberal practices inside autocracies - like holding elections, passing reforms to increase gender equality, or even limited media openness - are more than just window dressing. 4/

And in another (open access!) contribution to the special issue, Rebecca Cordell and @alexdukalskis.bsky.social explain how authoritarian states' growing global power + changes in US foreign policy = trouble for human rights. www.cambridge.org/core/journal... 3/

Many analysts have noted how the reduction if not withdrawal of pressure from the US/EU on countries to democratize could lead autocrats to stop pretending to liberal and start cracking down. There are some signs that this is already happening, like www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv... 2/

Yay, glad this is officially out!

And here for the book it’s based on: bsky.app/profile/camb...

See here for our piece: bsky.app/profile/fore...

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