Opposition movements and elite defections under authoritarian rule

Project overview

Authoritarian regimes are often vulnerable to a range of domestic threats that can undermine their hold on power. What political, social, and economic factors shape or condition the emergence of opposition movements? Which strategies do these movements employ to challenge or overthrow authoritarian regimes? Under what circumstances do they gain enough momentum to become serious contenders for power?

My research focuses on the dynamics of opposition—both partisan and non-partisan—that challenge regimes from within. Additionally, I explore drivers of elite defections from authoritarian coalitions. By studying both the formation and evolution of opposition movements, as well as their strategic behaviour, my work seeks to uncover additional factors that influence regime change or durability. I combine quantitative data with in-depth case studies, interview data and field research from Latin America, focusing on countries such as Nicaragua, Mexico, and Venezuela to address these questions.

Project details

Start date: 1 April 2022

End date: 31 May 2025

Funder: European Commission

Scheme: Marie Skłodowska Curie Action

Contact/Principal Investigator: Maryhen Jimenes Morales

Website

More information

Articles

2024. "Who’s Right, Whose Left? Navigating the Complexities of Right-Wing Politics in Venezuela" (w/ G Aveledo). In The Recasting of the Latin American Right, edited by André Borges et al, Cambridge University Press.

2024. Elecciones locales de 2021 en Venezuela: Un chavismo perdedor en teoría pero ganador en la práctica (w/ S Vitale, J Trak). In: Elecciones en América Latina: de pandemia y de derrotas (2020-2023), edited by Manuel Alcántara et al. Centro de Estudios Políticos y Constitucionales.

2023. Reversing Authoritarianism in the EU: Transformative Politics and the Role of Opposition (w/ D Castiglione). In: Transition 2.0. Re-establishing Constitutional Democracy in EU Member Statesin EU Member State, edited by Michal Bobek et al. Nomos.

2022. "La oscilante (in)capacidad de la oposición venezolana en la disputa por el poder subnacional (2008-2022)" (w/ S/ Vitale et al), Revista Elecciones.

2021. "Contesting Autocracy: Repression and Opposition Coordination in Venezuela", Political Studies.

2021. "Venezuela 2020: Autocratic consolidation and splintered economic liberalization" (w/ A Rosales), Revista Ciencia Política.