Measuring Democratization and Detecting State Transitions

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Pubblicato: Dec 29, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.26476
Vaia Papanikolaou
University of Thessaly
Yiannis Roussakis
University of Thessaly
Panagiotis Tzionas
International Hellenic University
Abstract
In the proposed research, an in-depth analysis of the features presented in six representative international organizations measuring democracy worldwide revealed a sizeable set of significant and complementary indicators that provided the basis for the construction of a common conceptual framework for democratization. The size and variety of the examined datasets overcomes any possible skepticism for data biasing. We also propose a method of combining such complementary or competing indicators using Multi-objective Optimization, in order to increase objectivity. The periodic monitoring of the proposed indicators allows for the detection of State Transitions, especially under alarming conditions. Our aim is to propose an objective tool for policy makers that would eliminate selective interpretation of democracy and its transitions, by allowing political change to be meaningfully understood in its proper perspective using facts and data.
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Biografie autore
Vaia Papanikolaou, University of Thessaly
Vaia Papanikolaou is a PhD candidate at the Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, Greece. She holds an MBA from the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, and B.Sc. in Sociology, University of Crete, Greece. Her PhD research focuses on the institutional democratization of the modern universities. She has more than 3 years teaching experience as a professor’s assistant in teaching Quality Assurance in Higher Education, at postgraduate level in the International Hellenic University.
Yiannis Roussakis, University of Thessaly
Dr. Yiannis Roussakis is an Assistant Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Thessaly, Department of Special Education where he teaches Comparative Education, Introduction to Pedagogy and supervises the Teaching Practicum of student teachers. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Education and Education Policy (University of Athens), M.Ed. in Pedagogy, B.Sc. in Physics and B.Ed. in Primary Education.
Panagiotis Tzionas, International Hellenic University
Dr. Panagiotis Tzionas is Professor of Computer and Control Engineering in the Department of Production Engineering and Management, International Hellenic University. He is has served as Vice Rector of Research and lifelong learning of the International Hellenic University & in the past as Rector and Vice Rector of the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Professor Panagiotis Tzionas has a Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Thrace, M.Sc. in Digital Electronics, Kings College, University of London, and Bachelor Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Imperial College University of London.
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