The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

Table of Contents

Volume 681 Issue 1, January 2019

Transformations through Polarizations and Global Threats to Democracy Murat Somer, Jennifer McCoy First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 8–22 Abstract Preview

I. Democratic Collapse and Return of Old Elites

From Illiberal Democracy to Military Authoritarianism: Intra-Elite Struggle and Mass-Based Conflict in Deeply Polarized Thailand Prajak Kongkirati First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 24–40 Abstract Preview

II. Democratic Erosion under New Elites

Turkey: The Slippery Slope from Reformist to Revolutionary Polarization and Democratic Breakdown Murat Somer First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 42–61 Abstract Preview

Polarization, Participatory Democracy, and Democratic Erosion in Venezuela’s Twenty-First Century Socialism María Pilar García-Guadilla, Ana Mallen First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 62–77 Abstract Preview

The Political Nature of Ideological Polarization: The Case of Hungary Federico Vegetti First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 78–96 Abstract Preview

Poland: A Case of Top-Down Polarization Hubert Tworzecki First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 97–119 Abstract Preview

III. Democratic Careening and Gridlock

Polarization Without Poles: Machiavellian Conflicts and the Philippines’ Lost Decade of Democracy, 2000–2010 Aries A. Arugay, Dan Slater First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 122–136 Abstract Preview

United States: Racial Resentment, Negative Partisanship, and Polarization in Trump’s America Alan Abramowitz, Jennifer McCoy First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 137–156 Abstract Preview

Dynamics of Polarization in the Greek Case Ioannis Andreadis, Yannis Stavrakakis First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 157–172 Abstract Preview

Party System Institutionalization and Pernicious Polarization in Bangladesh Tahmina Rahman First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 173–192 Abstract Preview

IV. The Illusory Promise of Democratic Reform: Success and Failure

Polarization in South Africa: Toward Democratic Deepening or Democratic Decay? Roger Southall First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 194–208 Abstract Preview

Elite Conflict, Compromise, and Enduring Authoritarianism: Polarization in Zimbabwe, 1980–2008 Adrienne LeBas, Ngonidzashe Munemo First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 209–226 Abstract Preview

Conclusions

Reflections: Can American Democracy Still Be Saved? Nancy Bermeo First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 228–233 Abstract Preview

Toward a Theory of Pernicious Polarization and How It Harms Democracies: Comparative Evidence and Possible Remedies Jennifer McCoy, Murat Somer First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 234–271 Abstract Preview

Corrigendum

Corrigendum First Published December 20, 2018; pp. 272–273 Abstract   Original Article:Citizens’, Scientists’, and Policy Advisors’ Beliefs ...

What is 'Commitment device' in Sociology?

This refers to any choice made by individuals in the present in order to prevent themselves from making impulsive mistakes in the future. It is believed that commitment devices can force people to stick to their original hard decisions without wavering from such decisions under distress in the future. An individual wishing to lose weight, for instance, may choose to buy a year-long membership at the gym instead of a weekly or monthly membership as a way to force himself to go to the gym regularly. Making one’s commitments or goals public to a large group of people is another common example of an effective commitment device that can help people achieve their goals.

Source: The Hindu, 22/02/2019