Democracy and Democratization in Comparative Perspective

Course Overview

Dive into the global evolution of democracy with this dynamic 7-week live online course. Explore the transformative Third and Fourth Waves of Democratization that reshaped regions like Latin America, Southern Europe, Africa, and Asia, and investigate why half of the world’s democracies are experiencing decline, with authoritarianism resurging in countries like Turkey, Hungary, India Brazil and USA.

Led by a PhD expert in comparative politics, this beginner-friendly course uses twice-weekly Zoom sessions to delve into key theories, political transitions, and challenges shaping democratic systems. From illiberal populism to China’s model of authoritarian resilience, gain critical insights into democracy’s future and its global impact. Earn a Certificate of Attendance to showcase your expertise.

No prior knowledge required—just a passion for comparative politics!

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Define and compare models of democracy and non-democratic regimes
• Analyze global democratization trends and theoretical frameworks
• Evaluate factors driving transitions from authoritarianism to democracy
• Assess the role of international actors, political culture, and social forces in promoting democracy
• Apply theories to case studies across Latin America, Post-Communist states, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
• Understand the links between democracy, violence, and stability in divided societies

Why Choose This Course?

Live, Interactive Learning
Engage in twice-weekly Zoom sessions (2 hours per session, 4 hours per week) with a PhD expert in a small class of 5–15 learners for personalized attention.

Global Perspective
Compare democratization across Latin America, Africa, Asia, Post-Communist Europe, and the Middle East, with case studies including Brazil, Poland, China, Nigeria, and Tunisia.

Practical Skills
Build analytical skills to decode democratic backsliding, populism, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian resilience in today’s political landscape.

University-Level Education, Accessible Price
At $150, this non-credit course offers rigorous academic insights at a fraction of traditional costs, with a Certificate of Attendance included.

Flexible for Global Learners
Two convenient time options accommodate learners across time zones. Ideal for undergraduates, professionals, policy enthusiasts, or lifelong learners worldwide.

Course Content

14 Units (7 weeks, approximately 28 hours total):

Theoretical Foundations (Units 1-7)

Unit 1: Defining Democracy and the Scope of Our Course
Types of democracy and non-democratic systems (totalitarian, authoritarian, sultanistic regimes); conceptual frameworks

Unit 2: Waves of Democratization
Historical and Contemporary Trends in Global democratization

Unit 3: Domestic Theories of Democratization (Modernization Theory) Structural prerequisites for democracy. Socio-economic development & wealth.

Unit 4: Political Culture, Religion, and Democratization
Role of religion, values, and cultural factors in democratic transitions and consolidation; civic culture debates

Unit 5: Social Forces, Structure, Strategy, and Transitology
Role of civil society, labor movements, and strategic choices by elites and opposition groups; stages of transition from authoritarianism to democracy; modes of transition (pacts, ruptures, reforms)

Unit 6: International Factors: Diffusion, Promotion, and Force
Role of NGOs, international organizations, democracy promotion, external intervention, and transnational networks

Unit 7: Democratization and Violence/Peace
Links between democratic transitions, conflict, and stability in divided societies; managing ethnic tensions

Regional Case Studies & Contemporary Challenges (Units 8-14)

Unit 8: Democratization in Latin America
Transitions and challenges in Chile, Brazil, Argentina; waves of democratization and contemporary issues

Unit 9: Between Democracy and Dictatorship in Post-Communist Countries
Hybrid regimes and democratic backsliding in Russia, Poland, Hungary; post-Soviet transitions and illiberal trends

Unit 10: Between Democracy and Authoritarianism in Asia
Democratic trends and challenges in South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Southeast Asia

Unit 11: Developmental State and Authoritarian Resilience in China
China’s model of authoritarian capitalism, economic development without democratization, and global influence

Unit 12: Democratization and Hybrid Regimes in Africa
Democratic experiments and hybrid regimes & Resurgence of Military Rule in West Africa 

Unit 13: Authoritarianism, Popular Revolts, and Democratization in the Middle East and North Africa
Arab Spring outcomes; contrasting cases of Tunisia versus Egypt; authoritarian persistence and resilience

Unit 14: Populism and Democratic Backsliding
Illiberal populist trends in Turkey, Hungary, Brazil, and the United States; erosion of democratic norms and institutions; contemporary threats to liberal democracy.

Who Should Enroll?

• Beginners curious about democracy and comparative politics
• Undergraduate & Graduate Students studying political science or international relations
• Professionals in government, NGOs, or policy seeking insights into global democratic trends
• Lifelong Learners eager to analyze populism, authoritarianism, or democratic transitions
• Policy Enthusiasts interested in understanding contemporary political challenges

No prerequisites required—open to anyone worldwide with an internet connection.

How You’ll Learn

Live Online Classes
Interactive Zoom sessions with case studies, simulations, and Q&A (2 hours per session, twice weekly)

Expert Instruction
Learn from a PhD academic with deep expertise in democratization and comparative politics

Small Groups
Limited to 15 learners maximum for dynamic discussions and personalized feedback

Certificate Included
Earn a digital Certificate of Attendance to showcase on LinkedIn, your resume, or professional portfolio

Course Details

Duration: 7 weeks (14 live sessions, approximately 28 hours total)
Dates: November 4–December 18, 2025

Schedule Options:

• Option 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 09:00 AM–11:00 AM CET
• Option 2: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM CET
• Custom Schedule: Alternative dates and times can be arranged for groups of 5 or more participants

Price: $150 USD (includes Certificate of Attendance)

Delivery: 100% online via Zoom—join from anywhere in the world

Minimum Enrollment: 5 participants required to run the course

Course Coordinator: PhD expert in comparative politics and democratization

How to Enroll

Step 1: Email info@gadaedu.com to join the waitlist and express your interest
Step 2: Once 5 participants enroll, you’ll receive payment and registration details
Step 3: Complete your registration and secure your spot in this transformative course

Early-Bird Special: Enroll by Friday, October 31, 2025, for a $25 discount (use code DEMOCRACY25 when you receive payment details). Final Price: $125 USD

Why Act Now?

Limited Availability
With a maximum of 15 learners per class, spots fill quickly. Secure your place in this intimate learning environment.

Global Community
Join learners from around the world to discuss democracy’s biggest challenges and most pressing questions.

Early-Bird Savings
Save $25 by enrolling before October 31, 2025—that’s over 15% off university-level education.

Timely & Relevant
In an era of democratic backsliding, rising populism, and authoritarian resurgence, understanding these dynamics has never been more critical.

Investment in Your Future
Whether you’re advancing your academic career, enhancing your policy work, or pursuing personal growth, this course provides essential knowledge for understanding today’s political landscape.

Ready to Understand Democracy’s Future?

Democracy faces unprecedented challenges in the 21st century—from populist movements in established democracies to authoritarian resilience in China and hybrid regimes across the globe. This course equips you with the analytical tools and historical perspective to understand why democracies rise, decline, and sometimes fall—and what can be done to strengthen them.

Don’t miss this opportunity to master the dynamics of global democracy.

Contact us today at info@gadaedu.com to reserve your spot and join a community of learners committed to understanding and strengthening democratic governance worldwide.

Questions? Email info@gadaedu.com for more information about the course, schedule options, or enrollment process.