We are pleased to invite you to an EU research seminar with Professor Natasha Wunsch (Université of Fribourg) on 10 February 2026, 12.00-13.00 in Garystr. 55, room 323. Wunsch will present her newly published book Democratic Commitment: Why Citizens Tolerate Democratic Backsliding (OUP).

In Democratic Commitment, Wunsch asks why citizens often fail to resist democratic backsliding. She argues that political culture is key to explaining the electoral success and enduring public support for authoritarian-leaning leaders despite their open violations of democratic standards. Heterogeneous understandings of democracy and a lack of liberal democratic commitment leave important parts of the electorate vulnerable to buy-outs and illiberal appeals by political elites. The book thus offers valuable insight into the role citizens’ democratic attitudes play in enabling democratic backsliding, with implications for practical efforts to foster democratic resilience and support for liberal democracy. 

The presentation will be followed by a discussion. All interested staff and students at OSI are warmly welcome to attend. No registration necessary. 

Participants are strongly encouraged to look at the book in advance. Democratic Commitment is available open access here: https://academic.oup.com/book/60927