Different Factors that Result in (or Prevent) Democracy Backsliding

This panel brings together papers focused on the causes that result in (or prevent) democratic backsliding in various contexts. Public support for democracy is the key factor in preventing democratic backsliding; Huang and Wu’s paper investigates the extent to which changes in democratic support are influenced by Chinese aid using a cross-national survey. At the same time, we also discuss the phenomenon of democratic backsliding through various indicators, such as media freedom and gender equality. Kao’s research seeks to explore the relationship between government and civil society, with particular emphasis on the influence of civil society on democratic processes. Wang and Wu’ research examines the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong under Chinese authoritarianism, focusing on self-censorship and media coverage of sensitive topics like the Tiananmen Square Movement. Lin explores how the "gender resource curse" and the "aid curse" are connected to assess the impact of Chinese aid on gender equality in recipient countries. Tsai’s study examines how the introduction of inclusive political institutions in former colonial countries, especially in the context of improved public health infrastructure, can paradoxically lead to long-term gender imbalance.