International Journal Of History And Political Sciences

Democratic Backsliding, Populist Mobilization, And the Fragility of Liberal Institutions: A Theoretical Study of Contemporary Challenges to Democratic Quality and Resilience

Dr. Adrian Keller — 2026-04-01

This article examines the relationship between populism, democratic backsliding, autocratization, polarization, and institutional resilience through a theoretically integrated analysis of the references provided. Drawing strictly on classic and contemporary scholarship on democracy, democratic transition, illiberalism, populism, and democratic decline, the study argues that contemporary threats to democracy cannot be understood as isolated electoral anomalies or temporary crises of representation. Rather, they must be interpreted as manifestations of deeper tensions within democratic development itself, including unresolved conflicts between majority rule and liberal restraint, widening gaps between popular sovereignty and institutional mediation, increasing polarization, and the strategic exploitation of democratic legitimacy by anti-pluralist political actors (Dahl, 1991; Diamond, 2015; Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018; Mudde, 2022). The article shows that democratic erosion frequently unfolds from within rather than through overt coups, with elected leaders weakening norms, undermining accountability, capturing institutions, and delegitimizing opposition while retaining the language of democratic authorization (Boese & Lührmann, 2020; Levitsky & Way, 2010; Pappas, 2021). It further argues that cultural backlash, identity conflict, and the restructuring of public discourse under digital and data-driven conditions intensify this process by increasing susceptibility to populist narratives and institutional distrust (Inglehart & Norris, 2017; Mounk, 2023; Tufekci, 2014). Methodologically, the article employs an interpretive qualitative synthesis of the supplied literature. The findings suggest that democracy is endangered not only by authoritarian ambition but also by democratic fatigue, civic polarization, weak intermediating institutions, and the normalization of illiberal practices. At the same time, the study identifies sources of democratic resilience in institutional design, norm maintenance, pluralist culture, and political self-restraint (Levitsky & Way, 2022; Linz & Stepan, 1996). The article concludes that defending democracy today requires more than electoral continuity; it requires renewing liberal-democratic commitments, rebuilding trust, reducing polarization, and strengthening the cultural and institutional foundations of democratic consolidation.

Modernization of Constitutional Justice in Uzbekistan: Institutional Transformation of The Constitutional Court In 2017–2024

F.P. Qlichov — 2026-04-09

This article analyzes the institutional transformation of the Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan in 2017–2024. The study focuses on the conceptual foundations of judicial reforms, renewal of the legal framework of constitutional justice, strengthening of human-rights safeguards, the practical impact of constitutional review under the 2023 Constitution, as well as digital modernization and international cooperation.

A New Stage in Water Management: Uzbekistan’s Experience

Jabbarova Iqbol Khujamuratovna — 2026-04-09

This article analyzes the institutional reforms implemented in the water management system of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the post-independence period, their legal foundations, governance mechanisms, and effectiveness. The achievements and existing challenges are examined on the example of the Kashkadarya oasis. The research results show that the basin-based approach, the system of water consumers’ associations (WCAs), digitalization processes, and the introduction of economic mechanisms have played a significant role in water resources management. In addition, by comparing the water management models of Australia, Turkey, Israel, and the European Union, the directions for applying international experience in Uzbekistan are explored. Existing problems in the system are identified, and proposals for their elimination are put forward.