Изазови демократском управљању сектором безбедности

Циљеви изучавања предмета

The aim of the course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the relationship between the security sector governance and the processes of autocratization. Building on contemporary theoretical approaches and comparative case studies, the course explores how autocratizing regimes use the military, police, and intelligence services to consolidate political power, as well as the role of these institutions in either resisting or contributing to the erosion of democratic institutions and values. Particular emphasis is placed on institutional mechanisms of oversight and accountability, international influences, and the role of civil society, with the goal of enabling students to acquire the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for critically assessing security sector governance policies in contexts of democratic backsliding.

Исходи учења (стечена знања)

Upon completion of the course, students will have gained a deep understanding of democratic security sector governance and the relationship between this sector and the processes of democratic backsliding and autocratization. Through the analysis of case studies from different regions and political contexts, students will develop the ability to critically assess the role of the military, police, and intelligence services in safeguarding or eroding democratic institutions. A particular emphasis is placed on practical work — students will apply theoretical knowledge in the analysis of contemporary examples and will be equipped to independently formulate and write policy proposals in the field of security, especially in contexts where the quality of democracy faces serious challenges.

Садржај теоријске наставе

1. Democratic Governance of the Security Sector
2. Autocratization and Democratic Backsliding: An Analytical Framework
3. Analyzing Security Policy in Times of Autocratization
4. The Military and Democratic Backsliding
5. The Police: A Public Service or an Instrument of Force?
6. Intelligence Services in the Age of Digital Authoritarianism
7. Reading Week
8. The Private Security Sector and Democratic Erosion
9. International Actors and the Democratic Backsliding
10. The Security Sector in Weakening Democracies
11. The Security Sector in Hybrid Regimes
12. The Security Sector in Authoritarian Regimes
13. Civil Society and Strategies of Resistance to Autocratization
14. Policy Paper Writing Workshop
15. Policy Paper Writing Workshop

1. Bermeo, Nancy. 2016. “On Democratic Backsliding.” Journal of Democracy 27 (1): 5–19;

2. Djordjevic, Irena, and Diane Stone. 2023. “State Captured Policy Advice? Think Tanks as Expert Advisors in the Western Balkans.” Policy and Society 42 (3): 334–346.

3. Ejdus, Filip. 2010. Democratic Security Sector Governance in Serbia. PRIF Report. Frankfurt: Peace Research Institute Frankfurt;

Lectures, seminars