Autocratization of Venezuela : An analysis of democratic de-consolidation during the time period 2010-2023

This thesis examines the autocratization of Venezuela from 2010 to 2023, focusing on the democratic de-consolidation process through the analytical framework of Juan J. Linz and Alfred Stepan's consolidation theory. The study utilizes the five arenas of democratic consolidation: civil society, political society, rule of law, state apparatus and economic society, to explore how these elements have been systematically weakened, contributing to Venezuela's transition from democracy to an authoritarian regime. By using a qualitative case study design, the research examines the weakening of democratic norms and institutions through both structural factors and the actions of key political actors. Findings highlight the centralization of power, erosion of judicial independence, manipulation of electoral processes and increasing repression of civil society as pivotal mechanisms in Venezuela's shift from democracy to authoritarianism. This research contributes to understanding how autocratic regimes consolidate power incrementally, challenging the resilience of democratic systems in contemporary contexts.