What is the relationship between nondemocratic rule and legitimacy?
A)Nondemocratic regimes are never legitimate in the eyes of the public.
B)Nondemocratic regimes are never legitimate in the eyes of the international community.
C)Nondemocratic regimes may enjoy some or even a great deal of public support.
D)Legitimacy is a concept that can only be understood in the context of democracy.
E)Nondemocratic regimes are only legitimate before the advent of industrialization.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between nondemocratic rule and legitimacy is complex and contested, but it is widely recognized that some nondemocratic regimes can enjoy significant public support and therefore have some level of legitimacy. For example, authoritarian regimes may be seen as legitimate if they are effective at providing security and stability or if they are perceived as better than the alternative. However, the legitimacy of nondemocratic regimes is often fragile and can depend on factors such as the level of repression or corruption, the degree of economic prosperity, and the existence of alternative sources of political legitimacy such as religious or cultural traditions. Therefore, while some nondemocratic regimes may be legitimate in the eyes of their citizens, they may lack external legitimacy and face criticism from the international community.

What Is the Relationship Between Nondemocratic Rule and Legitimacy