Illiberal democracy

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The term "illiberal democracy" describes a governing system that hides its "nondemocratic practices behind formally democratic institutions and procedures".^[1] There is a lack of consensus among experts about the exact definition of illiberal democracy, however, it may be used broadly to refer to the notion that some governments attempt to look like democracies while suppressing opposing views.^[2] It has been described as the 21st century's vision of fascism; loyal to electoral democracy but taking control of the state for purposes that are largely nationalistic, anti-minority, anti-freedom, and led by strong leaders and their associates.^[3]

The rulers of an illiberal democracy may ignore or bypass constitutional limits on their power.^[4] While liberal democracies protect individual rights and freedoms, illiberal democracies do not.^[5] Elections in an illiberal democracy are often manipulated or rigged, being used to legitimize and consolidate the incumbent rather than to choose the country's leaders and policies.^[6] Illiberalism rejects rational discourse, instead promoting intolerance, fear of difference, the cult of force, discipline, and moral authority.^[7] Illiberal constitutions are generally anti-pluralist and anti-institutionalist.^[8]

Scholars have criticized the claim that illiberal democracies are democracies, arguing that liberal principles and democracy cannot be separated and that without freedom of the press and speech, elections cannot truly be free and fair.^[9] Other theorists say that classifying illiberal democracy as democratic is overly sympathetic to the illiberal regimes,^[10] and therefore prefer terms such as electoral authoritarianism,^[11] competitive authoritarianism,^[12] or soft authoritarianism.^[13][14]