Redefining Local Resilience: Human Rights Cities in an Era of Hybrid Authoritarianism
Luis Andres Gonzalez Gutierrez [Graduate Student, Chonnam National University]
1.Introduction: What has changed?
For much of the twentieth century, the distinction between democracy and authoritarianism appeared conceptually stable. Authoritarian regimes were typically understood as political systems characterized by the concentration of power, the suppression of political pluralism, and the limitation or elimination of civil liberties. In contrast, democratic systems were defined by competitive elections, institutional checks and balances, and the formal protection of individual rights. Within this framework, the defense of democracy and human rights was largely conceptualized as a struggle against clearly identifiable authoritarian regimes.
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Human Rights Cities represent one such framework. They demonstrate that even in contexts of political uncertainty, it is possible to sustain inclusive, rights-based governance. More importantly, they show that democracy is not only preserved through institutions, but continuously produced through collective action at the local level. Although cities do not inherently possess democratic resilience, they can provide the conditions under which resilience is collectively practiced, negotiated, and sustained.
Redefining Local Resilience: Human Rights Cities in an Era of Hybrid Authoritarianism
Luis Andres Gonzalez Gutierrez [Graduate Student, Chonnam National University]
1.Introduction: What has changed?
For much of the twentieth century, the distinction between democracy and authoritarianism appeared conceptually stable. Authoritarian regimes were typically understood as political systems characterized by the concentration of power, the suppression of political pluralism, and the limitation or elimination of civil liberties. In contrast, democratic systems were defined by competitive elections, institutional checks and balances, and the formal protection of individual rights. Within this framework, the defense of democracy and human rights was largely conceptualized as a struggle against clearly identifiable authoritarian regimes.
.
.
.
Human Rights Cities represent one such framework. They demonstrate that even in contexts of political uncertainty, it is possible to sustain inclusive, rights-based governance. More importantly, they show that democracy is not only preserved through institutions, but continuously produced through collective action at the local level. Although cities do not inherently possess democratic resilience, they can provide the conditions under which resilience is collectively practiced, negotiated, and sustained.