The Fate of Former Authoritarian Elites Under Democracy

Forthcoming, Journal of Conflict Resolution

40 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2018

See all articles by Michael Albertus

Michael Albertus

University of Chicago - Department of Political Science

Date Written: February 5, 2018

Abstract

Why do some former authoritarian elites return to power after democratization through reelection or re-appointment to political office, or by assuming board positions in state-owned or major private enterprises, whereas others do not and still others face punishment? This paper investigates this question using an original dataset on constitutional origins and the fate of the upper echelon of outgoing authoritarian elites across Latin America from 1900-2015. I find that authoritarian elites from outgoing regimes that impose a holdover constitution that sticks through democratization are more likely to regain political or economic power –– especially through national positions where the potential payoffs are largest –– and less likely to face severe or nominal punishment. I also find a positive role for political capital among former elites. These results are robust to alternative explanations of authoritarian elites’ fate and using instrumental variables to address potential endogeneity. The findings have important implications for democratic consolidation and quality.

Keywords: dictatorship, democratization, elite fate, constitutions

Suggested Citation

Albertus, Michael, The Fate of Former Authoritarian Elites Under Democracy (February 5, 2018). Forthcoming, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3118644

Michael Albertus (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Department of Political Science ( email )

1101 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

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