A Rally for Democracy? Authoritarian Resurgence, Ukraine, and Global Democratic Allegiance
Journal: Perspectives on Politics
Year: 2025

Abstract In this article, we show that the Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a pro-democratic reaction from citizens in liberal democracies, which we term the “rally for democracy.” Unlike the conventional “rally ‘round the flag” effect that boosts government popularity, this involves citizens rallying behind democracy as an international ideal. It includes expressing stronger proximity to democratic powers, stronger approval for democratic leaders abroad, and greater aversion to authoritari