Authoritarian citizens and democratic models: an individual-level perspective

This study examines the relationship between authoritarian predispositions and support for various democratic models across 22 European countries. Drawing on recent research in political psychology, authoritarianism is conceptualized as a predisposition to prioritize social conformity over individual autonomy. The findings reveal that authoritarian predispositions are positively associated with support for social, direct, and delegative democracy. Notably, support for direct and delegative democracy rises with authoritarianism across the ideological spectrum, suggesting a psychological preference for majoritarian unity, strong leadership, and institutional bypass. Interaction models show that authoritarian tendencies are not necessarily incompatible with liberal democracy; support for liberal and social democracy actually increases with authoritarian predispositions on the right, but decreases on the left. No robust relationship is found with populist and populist-participatory democracy. Country-specific analyses reveal notable cross-national variation, underscoring the role of institutional and discursive environments. The findings imply that although authoritarians are psychologically inclined to support semi-authoritarian forms of democracy, their predispositions act as filters, not fixed positions. Taken together, the complex interplay of predispositions, ideological beliefs, and national context may produce varying democratic preferences. The meaning of democracy is dynamic and can be framed in ways that align with the authoritarian need for order and conformity.