In global politics, government legitimacy depends on whether authority is accepted as rightful by both domestic populations and the international community. Governments lose legitimacy when this acceptance weakens or disappears. In IB Global Politics, loss of legitimacy is a crucial concept for analysing political instability, protest movements, intervention, and regime change.
One major cause of declining legitimacy is failure to govern effectively. When governments cannot provide basic services such as security, healthcare, education, or economic stability, public trust erodes. High unemployment, inflation, or persistent poverty can lead citizens to question whether leaders are capable or deserving of authority. Over time, poor performance undermines belief in the government’s right to rule.
Corruption is another significant factor. When political leaders abuse power for personal gain, legitimacy is damaged both domestically and internationally. Corruption weakens institutions, increases inequality, and reduces confidence in the political system. Even governments that initially gained legitimacy through elections can lose it if corruption becomes widespread and unaccountable.
Governments also lose legitimacy through repression and human rights abuses. The use of excessive force against civilians, restrictions on free expression, or discrimination against minority groups can trigger resistance and international condemnation. While repression may maintain short-term control, it often accelerates long-term legitimacy loss. In IB analysis, this highlights the distinction between coercive power and legitimate authority.
Another cause is lack of accountability and participation. Governments that exclude citizens from decision-making or undermine democratic processes may face declining legitimacy. Manipulated elections, weakened courts, or suppression of opposition reduce trust in political institutions. Even non-democratic systems require some level of perceived fairness or effectiveness to maintain legitimacy.
Legitimacy can also decline due to loss of international support. Violations of international law, failure to uphold treaties, or aggressive actions can lead to sanctions, isolation, or withdrawal of recognition. International legitimacy often reinforces domestic acceptance, so external rejection can intensify internal challenges.
For IB Global Politics students, understanding why governments lose legitimacy is essential for analysing protest movements, conflict, and regime change. High-level answers evaluate multiple causes and show how legitimacy loss is often gradual, cumulative, and difficult to reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean when a government loses legitimacy?
It means that people no longer accept the government’s authority as rightful. This can lead to protest, instability, or conflict. Power may still exist, but acceptance is weakened. IB students should link legitimacy loss to political consequences.
Is corruption always a cause of legitimacy loss?
Corruption often undermines legitimacy, especially when it is widespread and unpunished. However, some governments maintain legitimacy despite corruption if performance remains strong. Context matters in IB analysis. Avoid absolute claims.
Can repression maintain legitimacy?
Repression may maintain control, but it rarely sustains legitimacy long-term. Fear is not the same as acceptance. Over time, repression often increases resistance. This distinction is important in IB answers.
Does international legitimacy affect domestic legitimacy?
Yes, international condemnation can weaken domestic confidence in a government. Sanctions and isolation can intensify internal dissatisfaction. The two forms of legitimacy are closely linked. IB responses should show this interaction.
How should this topic be answered in exams?
Students should identify multiple causes of legitimacy loss and explain their effects. Using examples strengthens analysis. Evaluation should consider both short-term control and long-term stability. This approach supports high-level responses.
