Jennifer L. McCoy

Focuses on the question of what democratic opposition actors can do to stop or reverse pernicious polarization. Summarizes how based on insights from examples across the world and deductive theory-building, along with illustrative cases, we offer a typology of potential opposition goals, strategies and tools, and then analyse how these may affect polarization and in turn democratic quality at early and late stages.

Addresses the question of how the prospect of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia’s (FARC’s) political participation influence citizens’ support for the peace process? Addresses this question by triangulating evidence from three separate studies: (1) regression analysis using face-to-face nationally representative survey data, as well as (2) a vignette experiment and (3) a conjoint analysis, both conducted online with national samples of Colombians.

Discusses how around the world democracy is being undermined by elected leaders using polarizing political strategies that divide societies into mutually distrustful camps. Elaborates how polarization creates incentives for political leaders and voters alike to sacrifice democratic principles rather than risk their side losing power, and it changes the capacity of institutions designed to manage political conflict and sustain democracy.

Analyzes eleven country case studies of polarized polities that are, or had been, electoral democracies, identifying the common and differing causal mechanisms that lead to different outcomes for democracy when a society experiences polarization. Explores pernicious polarization, i.e., when and how a society divides into mutually distrustful “us vs. them” blocs, which endangers democracy.

Argues that a common pattern and set of dynamics characterizes severe political and societal polarization in different contexts around the world, with pernicious consequences for democracy.

Examines the complex relationship and causal direction between democracy and polarization and posits three theoretical possibilities: (1) polarization contributes to democratic backsliding and decay, (2) polarization results from democratic crisis, and (3) polarization contributes to democratic deepening. 

Discusses ways to interrupt Venezuela's slide into a failed economy and repressive state.

Analyzes the contentious special election in Venezuela after the death of President Hugo Chávez, and the challenges to the results from the losing candidate.

Reports on technological advancements of the Venezuelan automated voting system and the campaign inequities in the 2012 presidential elections.

Analyzes the nature of democratic crises in Latin America 1990-2012 and the international responses to them.

Analyzes role of international mediators in the Venezuelan political conflict 2002-2004 and political developments up to 2012.

Analyzes the mutual dependence between the United States and Venezuela and the dilemmas in the relationship.

Analyzes the impact of models of election management bodies on the quality of elections in Latin America.

Analyzes the unraveling of the Venezuelan democratic regime prior to Chávez, and the rise of the Chávez-led movement after 1998. This title was reprinted with a new Epilogue in 2006.