Abstract This review analyzes ‘Democratic Commitment: Why Citizens Tolerate Democratic Backsliding’ by Natasha Wunsch (2025) and situates it within the literature on the microfoundations of democratic erosion. The book challenges explanations centered on polarization and material incentives by arguing that the key to institutional resilience lies in the degree to which citizens prioritize the liberal component of democracy. By combining survey data, focus groups, and conjoint experiments in Hungary and Poland, Wunsch identifies distinct voter profiles and shows that weak […]

This study examines the link between policy dismantling and democratic backsliding through a comprehensive analytical framework. This framework not only addresses dismantling strategies but also assesses resilience mechanisms, covering aspects like new policy implementation arrangements, diversification of governance, involvement of non-state actors, and the creation of alternative forums. Applying this framework, the study examines three food and nutritional security programs using qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Findings highlight significant impacts of dismantling on initiatives started during […]