Doctoral dissertation

My dissertation consists of five articles, four of which have been published. It examines how contemporary hybrid regimes are maintained and operated. Drawing on a diverse set of methodological approaches—including large-n methods, comparative case studies, conceptual development, and fuzzy-set methods—the dissertation explores why citizens support hybrid regimes, how authoritarian leaders strategically manage corruption, what specific governance practices contribute to democratic erosion, and why anti-corruption reforms often struggle to produce meaningful change. Empirically, the research focuses primarily on Hungary while also engaging in broader cross-national comparisons, contributing to debates on autocratization, corruption, and democratic resilience.