Question

Which of the following polities is sometimes considered a good example of a "competitive authoritarian" regime?

1) The United States
2) North Korea
3) Brazil
4) Russia

Answer 1

Russia is sometimes considered a good example of a 'competitive authoritarian' regime, where the government maintains a facade of democracy while engaging in undemocratic practices to retain power. The correct option is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term “competitive authoritarian” regime describes a system where formal democratic institutions are widely viewed as the principal means of obtaining and exercising political authority, yet in practice, incumbents abuse the state to ensure they win elections.

This abuse includes methods like media control, harassment of opposition, and election manipulation. Among the listed countries - The United States, North Korea, Brazil, and Russia - Russia is sometimes considered a good example of a “competitive authoritarian” regime.

Therefore, Russia aligns more with the concept of competitive authoritarianism, where the ruling party retains power through the facade of democratic procedures while engaging in undemocratic practices. The correct option is 4.