However, many autocratic leaders have lost popularity in countries that still have elections. For instance, the popularity of illiberal leaders in Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia has plunged throughout the pandemic in large part due to unpopular government policies. COVID-19 could therefore hurt autocracy, not just democracy.

Wesleyan University

If the narrative that democracies failed to effectively counter the pandemic persists, then autocrats could have a powerful tool at their disposal to convince even more voters to support them. Autocratic movements could strengthen or arise in countries hard-hit by the pandemic.

COVID-19 and Democracy’s Apparent Weaknesses: Implications

Populist Leaders in Eastern Europe Run Into a Little Problem: Unpopularity. (2021, June 21). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/21/world/europe/eastern-europe-populist-leaders-unpopular.html

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