DOI
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/aaeb4d

Summary
The article discusses the notion of “democratic backsliding”, i.e. the gradual decline in the quality of democracy, by illustrating the complex and multiple variables involved. Complex Systems theory is explicitly invoked to investigate new models capable of analyzing “democratic backsliding” and to provide suggestions on the proper way to analyze democratic “stability”. For this purpose, the paper explores definitions of stability adopted in network studies, ecology, statistical mechanics and economics. It suggests that these interdisciplinary influences can substantially improve our level of analysis and clarify misunderstandings. Finally, after presenting several examples of social systems modelling applying complex systems theory and statistics, the authors provide an analysis of the 3 main mechanisms involved in “democratic backsliding” processes:
- Destabilization of social institutions through feedback loops
- Democracy as public good
- Destabilization of social institutions through erosion of social norms

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper establishes a dialogue between hard sciences and social sciences, showing similarities and differences in their perspectives on the notion of stability. Complex systems thinking and perspective is explicitly cited and the complex processes involved in “democratic backsliding” are, consequentially, elaborated and described.

Point of Strength
- It has a clear focus on interdisciplinarity
- It presents several examples of mathematical and complex systems models adopted in studies of political sciences
- It deals with a rather crucial and compelling issue, related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)