Political scientist Dr. Emily Chen argues that democratic backsliding occurs through legal means more often than through coups—autocrats now hollow out democracy from within.
Which comparative politics analysis would best support Chen's legal erosion claim?
Some democracies have declined
Coups have become rare
Freedom is valued
Of 25 democratic reversals since 2000, 80% occurred through legal manipulation (court packing, media control, electoral rule changes) rather than military action—democratic institutions are now weaponized against democracy itself
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. 80% legal erosion rate + specific mechanisms proves legal-means predominance.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Claims about predominant causes need frequency data plus mechanism identification.