The book offers a groundbreaking exploration of how political ethics are perceived by the public in modern British politics, utilizing original data to reveal insights into societal attitudes and beliefs. It delves into the complexities of ethical considerations within political discourse, highlighting the interplay between public opinion and political behavior. Through its unique approach, the work aims to enhance understanding of the moral frameworks that influence contemporary political dynamics in the UK.
Throughout their history, political elections have been threatened by conflict, and the use of force has in the past several decades been an integral part of electoral processes in a significant number of contemporary states. However, the study of elections has yet to produce a comprehensive account of electoral violence. Drawing on cross-national datasets together with fourteen detailed case studies from around the world, Electoral Violence, Corruption, and Political Order offers a global comparative analysis of violent electoral practices since the Second World War. Sarah Birch shows that the way power is structured in society largely explains why elections are at risk of violence in some contexts but not in others. Countries with high levels of corruption and weak democratic institutions are especially vulnerable to disruptions of electoral peace. She examines how corrupt actors use violence to back up other forms of electoral manipulation, including vote buying and ballot stuffing. In addition to investigating why electoral violence takes place, Birch considers what can be done to prevent this in the future, arguing that electoral authority and the quality of electoral governance is more important than the formal design of electoral institutions. Delving into a deeply influential aspect of political malpractice, Electoral Violence, Corruption, and Political Order explores the circumstances in which individuals choose to employ violence as an electoral strategy
Compulsory voting is a significant feature in about a quarter of democracies, influencing electoral systems and citizen engagement. As many voluntary voting nations face declining turnout, there's growing interest in mandatory voting. This volume addresses the lack of analysis on how compulsory voting affects political attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes. It offers a thorough exploration of the practice worldwide, providing insights into its implications for democracy and electoral participation.
The analysis explores the significance of competitive elections during Ukraine's democratic transition from 1989 to 1998, emphasizing voter decision-making and key electoral divisions. It challenges the notion that the Soviet legacy resulted in a fragmented society, presenting evidence of consistent voting patterns among the Ukrainian electorate since competitive elections began. This study sheds light on the complexities of Ukrainian democracy and the underlying social dynamics influencing electoral choices.
