Details

Subject(s)

• Bureaucracy [Browse]
• Executive power [Browse]
• Political culture [Browse]

Author

Peters, B. Guy [Browse]

Series

• Cambridge elements. Elements in public and nonprofit administration [More in this series]
• Cambridge elements. Elements in public and nonprofit administration, 2515-4303 [More in this series]

Summary note

This Element investigates how public employees react to illiberal policies proposed by authoritarian leaders during democratic backsliding. Using survey experiments employed with 942 bureaucrats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, the research explores their willingness to resist the implementation of illiberal policies. Findings show a significant readiness for resistance. The results indicate varying levels of resistance across countries, with Brazilian bureaucrats showing the highest, followed by British and American counterparts. Additionally, within-country analysis identifies individual characteristics affecting the intent to resist. The Element explores the dynamic relationship between politicians and bureaucrats, the autonomy of civil servants, and the perils of working under autocratic leadership. It also underscores the need for tailored strategies in recruiting and retaining public employees to uphold democratic values. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics between bureaucrats and democratic governance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding institutions in times of authoritarian challenges.

Notes

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 29 Sep 2025).

ISBN

9781009437479 (ebook)

Statement on responsible collection description

Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...