key term - Illiberal Democracy

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Illiberal democracies often use democratic processes, such as elections, to consolidate power, but they do not uphold the liberal principles of protecting individual rights and civil liberties.
2. Illiberal leaders may undermine the independence of the judiciary, limit press freedoms, and restrict the activities of opposition parties and civil society organizations.
3. Populism and the rhetoric of 'the people' versus 'the elite' are common features of illiberal democracies, where the ruling party or leader claims to represent the interests of the common citizen.
4. Illiberal democracies may maintain the facade of democratic institutions, such as elections, but these processes are often manipulated to ensure the continued rule of the dominant party or leader.
5. The rise of illiberal democracies has been observed in various regions, including Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, challenging the traditional understanding of democracy.

Review Questions

• Explain how illiberal democracies differ from liberal democracies in terms of protecting individual rights and civil liberties.
  • Illiberal democracies, while holding free and fair elections, do not uphold the core principles of liberal democracy, such as the protection of individual rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. In an illiberal democracy, the democratically elected government may restrict the activities of opposition groups, independent media, and civil society organizations, concentrating power in the hands of the ruling party or leader. This undermines the checks and balances that are essential for safeguarding individual freedoms and liberties, which are the hallmarks of a true liberal democracy.
• Analyze the role of populism in the rise of illiberal democracies, and explain how it contributes to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.
  • Populism, with its rhetoric of 'the people' versus 'the elite,' is a common feature of illiberal democracies. Illiberal leaders often use populist appeals to consolidate power, claiming to represent the interests of the common citizen against the perceived establishment. This populist narrative can be used to undermine the independence of democratic institutions, such as the judiciary and the media, which are seen as part of the elite establishment. By portraying these institutions as obstacles to the will of the people, illiberal leaders can justify their efforts to restrict their independence and autonomy, ultimately eroding the checks and balances that are essential for a healthy democracy.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the rise of illiberal democracies for the global democratic order, and discuss potential strategies for promoting and defending liberal democratic principles.
  • The proliferation of illiberal democracies poses a significant challenge to the global democratic order, as it undermines the traditional understanding of democracy and the principles of individual rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. The concentration of power in the hands of illiberal leaders, who may use democratic processes to consolidate their grip on power, can lead to the erosion of democratic norms and institutions over time. This, in turn, can have far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability, as the weakening of liberal democratic values can embolden authoritarian regimes and undermine international cooperation on issues of human rights, security, and economic development. Defending and promoting liberal democratic principles requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening civil society, supporting independent media, and fostering international cooperation to hold illiberal leaders accountable for their actions.

Related terms

Authoritarianism:

A system of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, where the state exercises rigid control over society and public expression.

Populism:

A political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an elite establishment, and promotes policies that claim to benefit the common person.

Majoritarian Democracy: A system of government where the majority group or party holds the power, and the rights and interests of minority groups may be disregarded or suppressed.