Date of Award
12-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Political Science
First Advisor
Benjamin Jones
Second Advisor
Gregory Love
Third Advisor
Steven D. Schaaf
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
How do illiberal movements affect human rights, and what mechanisms underlie this relationship? Moreover, under what conditions do these movements diffuse, and what factors facilitate their spread? Regarding the first question, while prior research emphasizes regime type, state capacity, and domestic and international constraints, the role of civil society remains underexplored. As for the second, the diffusion literature is theoretically rich, yet lacks empirical analysis of how illiberal movements spread across countries.
This dissertation connects illiberal movements to human rights outcomes through democratic backsliding. I argue that these movements do not directly undermine rights but do so indirectly by weakening democratic safeguards, particularly in collaboration with sympathetic right-wing governments. I further contend that illiberal movements demonstrate cross-national diffusion. Learning and emulation are key mechanisms, whereby actors exchange information and adopt strategies from other movements. I argue, however, that perceived grievances and legitimacy link these mechanisms: learning supplies ideas and tactics, and the validation of grievances and illiberal beliefs enables their confident adoption. Immigration flows and economic hardship serve as sources of grievances, creating conditions that make countries more susceptible to diffusion.
Using original data on illiberal protest mobilizations from 41 European democracies (1995–2020), I show that such mobilizations increase democratic backsliding, which in turn erodes human rights protections. This effect is particularly pronounced under right-wing governments. I also show that illiberal protest activity in one democracy becomes more likely when similar mobilizations occur elsewhere, regardless of geographic proximity. Economic hardship amplifies this effect, whereas refugee inflows, contrary to expectations, have no noticeable impact.
Recommended Citation
Yildiz, Adil, "Illiberal Movements in Europe: Impacts on Democracy, Human Rights, and the Dynamics of Diffusion" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3532.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3532