Autocratic welfare programs, economic perceptions, and support for the dictator: Evidence from African autocracies
- International Political Science Review
- 42(3), Jun, 2021: p.416-429
While numerous studies have explored the foundations of autocratic stability by focusing on macroeconomic variables, the micro-foundations of autocratic support have largely been overlooked. Using Afrobarometer survey data from 22 African autocracies, I examine how dictators stabilize their rule even during economic recessions. I find that the provision of welfare benefits alleviates the adverse impact of negative economic perceptions on support for the dictator. Citizens are likely to continue supporting the dictator as long as the government keeps providing universal welfare benefits. The results remain robust to different model specifications that account for alternative explanations and validity concerns associated with autocratic survey data. – Reproduced
Welfare policy, Economic voting, Authoritarianism, African politics, Multilevel model