The spelling of "undemocratisation" may be perplexing to some, but it follows the typical English pattern of adding suffixes to root words. In this case, "democrat" becomes "democrati-" and then adds the suffix "-sation" to create "democratisation". It is pronounced /ʌnˌdɛməkraɪtɪˈzeɪʃən/ with a schwa sound in the first syllable, stress on the third syllable, and an "eye" sound in the final syllable. The word describes the process of moving away from democratic principles, and is unfortunately all too applicable in today's political climate.
Undemocratisation refers to the process or act of transitioning from a democratic system to an autocratic or less democratic system. It involves the erosion or dismantling of democratic institutions, principles, and practices within a society or state, resulting in a reduction of individual freedoms, political rights, and the overall influence of citizens in decision-making processes.
Undemocratisation can manifest in various ways. It may involve the concentration of power in the hands of a few, such as through the manipulation of elections, suppression of opposition voices, or the weakening of checks and balances, including the judiciary and independent media. It can also entail restrictions on civil liberties, censorship, or the curtailment of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, or association.
Undemocratisation can be a gradual or sudden process, driven by political, economic, or social factors. It is often associated with authoritarian regimes or governments seeking to consolidate power, restrict dissent, or perpetuate their rule. In some cases, undemocratisation can occur through legal means, exploiting loopholes or amending legislation to restrict democratic processes.
Undemocratic practices and policies not only undermine the inclusive and participatory nature of democracy but also have significant implications for human rights and the overall well-being of a society. Undemocratisation is a term commonly used within political science and social sciences to analyze and understand the erosion of democratic values and institutions in various contexts worldwide.
The word "undemocratisation" is derived from the root word "democratize", which is formed by combining the words "demos" (meaning "people" in Greek) and "-cratia" (meaning "rule" or "government" in Greek).
The prefix "un-" is added to "democratization" to create "undemocratization", which refers to the reversal or undoing of democratization.
Over time, "undemocratization" has been shortened to "undemocratisation" in British English to conform with the standard British spelling conventions. However, both forms are interchangeable in terms of meaning.