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A Theory of Repression and Democratic Transition

Gaétan Nandong

Economics & Politics2026https://doi.org/10.1111/ecpo.70045article
AJG 2ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

What is the relationship between authoritarian repression and democratization? I reexamine this question by analyzing the problem of an autocrat who intends to install a democracy but faces a highly diverse policy environment. Using a theoretical framework, I show that a strategic use of repression can often contribute to a democratic political transition. In other words, repression and democratization are not always substitutes. A transition to democracy can follow a series of repressions aimed at eliminating ideologically distant opposition. The paper identifies two factors that determine whether this mechanism dominates: the severity and the cost of repression. The model is illustrated by the episodes of democratic transitions in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ecpo.70045

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@article{gaétan2026,
  title        = {{A Theory of Repression and Democratic Transition}},
  author       = {Gaétan Nandong},
  journal      = {Economics & Politics},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ecpo.70045},
}

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A Theory of Repression and Democratic Transition

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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