Illiberal democracies are on the rise globally, challenging traditional democratic norms. Economic instability, populism, and nationalist sentiments fuel their growth, leading to erosion of checks and balances, suppression of opposition, and centralization of power.
These regimes differ from liberal democracies in their approach to individual rights, separation of powers, and fair elections. They often manipulate institutions, restrict civil liberties, and use populist rhetoric to maintain power, posing significant challenges to democratic stability worldwide.
The Rise and Impact of Illiberal Democracies
Rise of illiberal democracies
- Factors contributing to the rise of illiberal democracies
- Economic instability and inequality create fertile ground for populist movements (Venezuela)
- Populist movements and charismatic leaders capitalize on public discontent (Hungary's Viktor Orbán)
- Disillusionment with traditional political parties and institutions fuels support for alternative political forces (Poland's Law and Justice party)
- Nationalist sentiments and the rejection of globalization appeal to those feeling left behind (Brexit)
- Impact on contemporary political systems
- Erosion of democratic norms and values
- Weakening of checks and balances allows for concentration of power (Turkey's presidential system)
- Suppression of opposition and dissent stifles political pluralism (Russia's treatment of opposition figures)
- Centralization of power in the executive branch undermines separation of powers (Philippines under Rodrigo Duterte)
- Restrictions on civil liberties and human rights limit individual freedoms (media censorship in Hungary)
- Increased polarization and societal divisions exacerbate political tensions (US under Trump administration)
- Strained international relations and challenges to global cooperation as illiberal regimes prioritize national interests (Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro and Amazon deforestation)
- Erosion of democratic norms and values
Liberal vs illiberal representative regimes
- Liberal representative regimes
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Freedom of speech, assembly, and press enshrined in constitution (US First Amendment)
- Due process and equal protection under the law guaranteed for all citizens (Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms)
- Separation of powers and checks and balances prevent abuse of power (US system of executive, legislative, and judicial branches)
- Regular, free, and fair elections ensure democratic representation (Germany's multiparty system)
- Independent judiciary and rule of law uphold justice and accountability (UK's Supreme Court)
- Pluralistic political participation and competition allow for diverse voices (India's numerous political parties)
- Strong civil society organizations contribute to democratic discourse and accountability
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Illiberal representative regimes
- Concentration of power in the executive branch
- Weakened or subordinate legislative and judicial branches enable executive overreach (Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro)
- Restricted civil liberties and human rights
- Limitations on freedom of expression and assembly suppress dissent (China's censorship of social media)
- Targeted suppression of opposition and dissent eliminates political rivals (Russia's treatment of Alexei Navalny)
- Manipulated or controlled elections
- Uneven playing field for opposition parties due to state resources and media control (Hungary's Fidesz party)
- Voter intimidation and electoral fraud undermine electoral integrity (Belarus's disputed 2020 election)
- Eroded rule of law and institutional checks fail to constrain executive power (Turkey's purges of judiciary)
- Populist rhetoric and appeals to nationalist sentiments mobilize support (Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro and anti-establishment rhetoric)
- Concentration of power in the executive branch
Challenges to Democratic Institutions in Illiberal Regimes
Challenges to democratic institutions
- Undermining the independence and integrity of the judiciary
- Political influence over judicial appointments and decisions compromises impartiality (Poland's judicial reforms)
- Selective prosecution and targeting of opposition figures weaponizes the legal system (Russia's prosecution of opposition leaders)
- Weakening the role and power of the legislature
- Executive overreach and bypassing of legislative processes sideline elected representatives (Venezuela's National Assembly)
- Marginalization of opposition parties in the legislature stifles debate and dissent (Turkey's parliamentary purges)
- Restricting media freedom and civil society organizations
- Government control or influence over media outlets limits access to information (Hungary's state-controlled media)
- Legal and financial pressures on independent media and NGOs hinder their ability to hold government accountable (Russia's "foreign agent" law)
- Manipulating electoral processes and outcomes
- Gerrymandering and unfair electoral laws tilt the playing field in favor of ruling party (US partisan redistricting)
- Voter suppression and intimidation tactics discourage political participation (Zimbabwe's 2018 election violence)
- Misuse of state resources for campaign purposes creates unequal political competition (Malaysia's 1MDB scandal)
- Eroding public trust in democratic institutions
- Spread of disinformation and propaganda manipulates public opinion (Philippines' social media disinformation campaigns)
- Delegitimization of opposition and critical voices undermines political pluralism (Trump's "fake news" rhetoric)
- Exploitation of societal divisions and grievances fuels polarization and conflict (Brexit campaign's anti-immigrant sentiment)
Democratic erosion and constitutional safeguards
- Gradual weakening of democratic norms and institutions (democratic erosion)
- Importance of robust constitutional democracy in preserving democratic principles
- Role of media freedom in maintaining an informed citizenry and government accountability
Key Terms to Review (45)
Conservative populism: Conservative populism is a political ideology that blends traditional conservative values, such as an emphasis on national sovereignty, traditional social norms, and skepticism towards elites, with a populist approach that seeks to appeal directly to the general populace's concerns and desires. It often manifests in policies or rhetoric that aim to protect what are perceived as the traditional ways of life against changes brought about by globalization, immigration, and liberal policies.
Rule of law: The rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights principles. It ensures that no one is above the law, providing a framework for safeguarding individual liberties and maintaining social order.
Blasphemy: Blasphemy involves showing contempt or lack of reverence for a deity or sacred things, often through speech. In the context of illiberal representative regimes, it can be criminalized to control dissent and enforce ideological conformity.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or a small elite that is not constitutionally responsible to the public. The government restricts individual freedoms and requires complete subservience to the state.
Civil society: Civil society is the realm of organized social life that is voluntary, self-generating, (largely) self-supporting, autonomous from the state, and bound by a legal order or set of shared rules. It consists of a wide array of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations that represent the interests and will of citizens.
Separation of powers: Separation of powers is a principle in political science that divides the responsibilities and powers of a government into distinct branches to prevent any one group or individual from gaining too much control. Typically, these branches are the legislative (makes laws), executive (implements laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
Political freedom: Political freedom is the right and capacity of individuals to participate in their society's political processes and decisions, including the freedom to express opinions, form and join political parties, and vote. It also encompasses protections against undue interference from the government in citizens' political activities.
India: In the context of Introduction to Political Science, focusing on Governing Regimes and specifically under the topic Recent Trends: Illiberal Representative Regimes, India serves as a case study of a country transitioning from a liberal democracy towards an illiberal representative regime. This transition is characterized by the erosion of democratic norms and practices, such as freedom of press, independence of judiciary, and protection of minority rights, despite maintaining electoral processes.
Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS): The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the United States and serves as the ultimate arbiter of federal constitutional law. It consists of nine Justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The Bharatiya Janata Party is a major right-wing political party in India that adheres to the ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism. It has been a dominant force in Indian politics, particularly since 2014 when it secured a majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament.
Hungary: In the context of political science and governing regimes, Hungary exemplifies a shift towards illiberal representative regimes, characterized by centralizing power in the executive branch while undermining checks and balances, media freedom, and civil liberties. This trend is marked by democratic backsliding where electoral processes remain but are accompanied by increasing authoritarian practices.
Islam: Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion articulated by the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God (Allah), and by the teachings and normative examples (called the Sunnah, composed of accounts called Hadith) of Muhammad, considered by them to be the last prophet of God. In political science, particularly in the context of governing regimes, Islam can influence laws, social norms, and government structures within Islamic states or countries with significant Muslim populations.
Hindu nationalism: Hindu nationalism is an ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values, promoting the primacy of Hinduism in India's political and social landscape. It aims at fostering a singular national identity based on religious culture.
Anti-Semitism: Anti-Semitism is hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. It manifests in various forms, ranging from individual prejudice to institutionalized policies and practices.
Separation of Powers: Separation of powers is a fundamental principle of government that divides the functions of the state into distinct branches, each with separate duties and areas of responsibility. This principle aims to prevent the concentration of power in a single authority and promote a system of checks and balances between the different branches of government.
Civil Society: Civil society refers to the arena of uncoerced collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values. It encompasses a wide array of organizations and associations that exist outside of the state and the market, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, professional associations, and social movements.
Comparative Politics: Comparative politics is the systematic study of the world's diverse political systems, institutions, behaviors, and outcomes. It examines how and why political systems differ across countries and regions, analyzing the underlying factors that shape a country's political landscape.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a form of government or political system characterized by a centralized autocratic leadership, often with limited political freedoms and civil liberties, and a subordination of individual and group interests to the authority of the state. It is a key concept in understanding the dynamics of individuals, groups, institutions, and international relations, as well as the rise of ideologies like nationalism, communism, fascism, and religious extremism that reject traditional political ideology.
Rule of Law: The rule of law is a fundamental principle that requires all individuals, institutions, and the government itself to be accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. It ensures that no one, including those in power, is above the law and that the law applies equally to all. The rule of law is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democratic society, as it upholds principles of equality, fairness, and justice.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an established elite or political establishment. It is characterized by a focus on the common people rather than the privileged or powerful, and a belief in the inherent wisdom and virtue of the people.
Jair Bolsonaro: Jair Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician who served as the 38th president of Brazil from 2019 to 2022. His political ideology and actions have been the subject of significant discussion and debate, particularly in the context of recent trends in illiberal representative regimes and the rejection of traditional political ideologies.
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States judicial system, serving as the final arbiter of the Constitution and federal law. It plays a crucial role in interpreting the law and ensuring the rights of the accused, due process, and the integrity of the judicial system, even in the face of illiberal representative regimes.
First Amendment: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects fundamental freedoms, including the right to free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble. It serves as a cornerstone of individual liberty and self-determination, while also safeguarding the free exchange of ideas that is essential for a healthy democracy.
Arab Spring: The Arab Spring refers to the series of pro-democracy uprisings that swept across several countries in the Middle East and North Africa in the early 2010s. This wave of protests and civil unrest challenged authoritarian regimes and demanded greater political rights, economic opportunities, and social freedoms.
Brexit: Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, a process that was initiated in 2016 following a referendum in which a majority of British voters chose to leave the EU. This historic decision has had significant political, economic, and social implications, both for the UK and the broader European landscape.
Illiberal Democracy: Illiberal democracy refers to a political system that holds free and fair elections but does not uphold the liberal democratic principles of protecting individual rights and liberties, rule of law, and checks on executive power. In an illiberal democracy, the democratically elected government may restrict civil society, independent media, and opposition groups, concentrating power in the hands of the ruling party or leader.
Freedom House: Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. It assesses the state of political rights and civil liberties in countries and territories worldwide through its annual Freedom in the World report, which serves as a widely respected global assessment of freedom.
Third Wave of Democratization: The Third Wave of Democratization refers to the global trend of democratic transitions that occurred in the latter half of the 20th century, following the previous waves of democratization in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This wave was characterized by the spread of democracy to numerous countries, particularly in Southern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa.
Nicolás Maduro: Nicolás Maduro is the current president of Venezuela, having assumed power in 2013 following the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Maduro's presidency has been marked by a series of controversial policies and actions that have contributed to the ongoing political and economic crisis in Venezuela, which is often characterized as an example of an illiberal representative regime.
Democratic Erosion: Democratic erosion refers to the gradual decline or deterioration of democratic institutions, norms, and practices within a political system. It is the process by which a country's democratic foundations and principles are undermined, often leading to the establishment of more authoritarian or illiberal forms of governance.
Media Freedom: Media freedom refers to the ability of the press, journalists, and media outlets to operate without undue interference or control from the government or other powerful entities. It is a fundamental principle of democratic societies, as it allows for the free flow of information, diverse perspectives, and public scrutiny of those in power.
Democratic Backsliding: Democratic backsliding refers to the gradual erosion or weakening of democratic institutions, norms, and practices within a country that has previously been considered a democracy. It is the process by which democracies regress towards more authoritarian forms of government.
Electoral Integrity: Electoral integrity refers to the fairness and legitimacy of electoral processes, ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the outcome of elections. It encompasses the principles of free and fair elections, the absence of electoral fraud or manipulation, and the protection of fundamental democratic rights and freedoms.
Competitive Authoritarianism: Competitive authoritarianism refers to a type of political regime that combines democratic institutions, such as elections and legislatures, with authoritarian or undemocratic practices that undermine the fairness and integrity of the democratic process. In these regimes, democratic institutions exist but are undermined in ways that give incumbent leaders an unfair advantage over their political opponents.
Viktor Orbán: Viktor Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010. He is known for leading an 'illiberal' or 'populist' government that has moved away from liberal democratic principles towards a more authoritarian style of governance, which relates to the broader trend of 'illiberal representative regimes' discussed in the context of 13.3 Recent Trends.
Constitutional Democracy: A constitutional democracy is a form of government where the power of the majority is limited by a constitution, ensuring the protection of minority rights and individual liberties. It combines the principles of democracy, where the people hold sovereignty, with the rule of law enshrined in a constitution.
Electoral Autocracy: Electoral autocracy refers to a political system in which elections are held, but they are not free and fair, and the incumbent government maintains power through various means of manipulation and repression. This type of regime is characterized by the coexistence of some democratic features, such as multiparty elections, with authoritarian practices that undermine the integrity of the electoral process and limit political rights and civil liberties.
Hybrid Regime: A hybrid regime is a form of government that exhibits characteristics of both democratic and authoritarian systems, blending elements of political competition and repression. These regimes fall somewhere between the extremes of full democracy and outright dictatorship, often maintaining the facade of democratic institutions while restricting political freedoms and concentrating power in the hands of a few.
Alexei Navalny: Alexei Navalny is a prominent Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist who has emerged as a key figure in challenging the authoritarian rule of President Vladimir Putin. He is known for his vocal criticism of the Russian government and his efforts to expose corruption within the political system. Navalny's activities and activism are closely tied to the recent trends of illiberal representative regimes, as his work highlights the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power in the hands of a few elites in Russia.
Law and Justice party: The Law and Justice party (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość or PiS) is a conservative, right-wing political party in Poland that has gained prominence in recent years as an example of an illiberal representative regime. The party's platform emphasizes traditional Polish Catholic values, national sovereignty, and a strong central government.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a constitutional document in Canada that enshrines certain political and civil rights into Canadian constitutional law. It forms the first part of the Constitution Act of 1982.
Vladimir Putin: Vladimir Putin is the current President of Russia, who has held significant political power in the country since the early 2000s. He has been a central figure in the rise of illiberal representative regimes and the understanding of conflict at multiple levels of analysis.
Fidesz: Fidesz is a right-wing populist political party in Hungary that has been in power since 2010. It is known for its illiberal and authoritarian policies that have eroded democratic institutions and the rule of law in the country.
Rodrigo Duterte: Rodrigo Duterte is the current president of the Philippines, known for his controversial and authoritarian leadership style. He has been a central figure in the context of recent trends towards illiberal representative regimes around the world.
1MDB Scandal: The 1MDB scandal refers to a major corruption and money laundering case involving the Malaysian state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). It is a prime example of an illiberal representative regime, where government officials abuse their power and public funds for personal gain, undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.