ASN Panel Development and Book Project
There are increasing signs that the links between polarization, endemic corruption and democratic struggle and decline are trends threatening weak states, hybrid regimes, non-democratic states and states long considered to be stable or “consolidated” democratic systems. Widespread popular dissatisfaction with economic options, economic decline and the attendant social pressures has been effectively exploited and weaponized by opportunistic spoilers, to date mostly from the right. This has fueled interest in right-leaning and far-right narratives, disinformation, and state and institutional capture, to the detriment of accountable, rights-based, democratic governance.
In 2021, the Democratization Policy Council (DPC) and Eurothink published, Sell Out, Tune Out, Get Out, or Freak Out? Understanding Corruption, State Capture, Radicalization, Pacification, Resilience, and Emigration in Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia. This initiative was inspired by Sarah Chayes’ book, Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security. Chayes made the contention, based on her experience on the ground in Afghanistan and her study of other countries, that systemic corruption and self-dealing as practiced by governments (commonly referred to as state capture) fuels popular resentment. The DPC/Eurothink initiative was grounded in the question of whether this thesis could help in understanding the social, political, and economic dynamics of Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia. The answer was yes, and the team developed three conceptual models to describe a) the problem set; b) citizen response options; and c) avenues to effect systemic change in these two countries, and beyond. The book and the models and diagrams are available here.
The panel organizers are interested in additional application of these models to other case studies. There are many possible relevant questions to explore. How can these models help to understand Serbia, Lebanon, Georgia, or other countries? What can people awaiting the second Trump administration in the US learn from these models and experiences? How can values-based organizations and alliance like the EU, Council of Europe, OSCE and others learn from this kind of analysis to ensure that their engagements have positive impact for the people in these countries?
In addition to participating in ASN, the panel organizers intend to prepare an edited volume based on submitted papers and cross-cutting framing chapters. Curious minds at all stages of their academic and professional careers are encouraged to submit a proposal. If the panel is successful, all participants would be responsible for identifying their own travel funds to participate. However, all proposals may be considered for the volume.
If you are interested in applying please send your paper proposal (max. 400 words) and a short biographical statement (max. 250 words) to valeryperry@yahoo.com by December 4, 2024.