Masters Degrees (Political Science)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Political Science) by Author "Beck, Cassidi"

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    The rise of Strongmen leaders : a threat to global security
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Beck, Cassidi; Lambrechts, Derica; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Political Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: After the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the post-Cold War future was one characterised by democratic liberalism, economic prosperity and a global liberal order. However, after decades of the spread and success of democratic liberalism, the world is seeing a global democratic recession. Instead of liberal democracy, the present and future is seemingly being characterised by growing illiberal democracy. A key element to the rise of these other political regimes and the global decline of democracy, is the rise of political Strongmen. Defined as elected leaders who use a political style characterised as populist, authoritarian and assertive, these Strongmen pose a risk to liberal democracy. This thesis examines the rise of these Strongmen, and specifically, how Strongman leadership threatens global security. The thesis also made reference to Francis Fukuyama’s famous argument The End of History and Last Man as his theory is commonly referenced in the examination of these leaders, as well as in the exploration of the current worldwide democratic decline. The use of Fukuyama’s thesis sought not to critique his argument, but rather to show how the rise of these Strongmen and their political leadership, bears as an obstacle to the stable, prosperous, democratic future that Fukuyama foresaw. Willing to go to extremes to protect their vote share, change the rules of the political game, preach politics of fear and resentment, and undermine democratic principles such as civil liberties and the separation of powers, the Strongman can be seen to not only threaten regional security but potentially increase geopolitical insecurity. The study chose to comparatively study Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Recep Erdogan of Turkey and Viktor Orban of Hungary. These three leaders and their respective nations were chosen as following the end of the Cold War, they were considered most likely to democratically consolidate. Further, similarly all three leaders came to power through democratic elections and lastly, all three nations are influential global actors. The study examined the three leaders on four variables seen as intrinsic elements of Strongman leadership; the violation of human rights, the erosion of key democratic institutions, the violation of human rights, populist nationalism, and the violation of sovereignty and international law. These variables were chosen not only for their identification of Strongman leadership but were also analysed as the most likely to threaten global security and stability. Using these principles also aided in establishing the presence/ extent of Strongman leadership in each nation. In conclusion, the study found that Strongman leadership does threaten global security through various facets. Specifically, through the four intrinsic variables, the Strongman’s actions, policies and ideologies can lead to further geopolitical insecurity. Focusing on Russia, Hungary and Turkey and their respective leaders, showed how their leadership can create or exacerbate instability, and ultimately erode global security.