Illiberal democracy

An illiberal democracy is a governing system that "hides its nondemocratic practices behind formally democratic institutions and procedures".^[1] While there is no universal consensus on its precise definition, the term broadly describes governments that present themselves as liberal democracies while subtly suppressing opposing views.^[2] It is sometimes described as a 21st-century form of fascism, maintaining electoral democracy while employing state power for largely nationalistic, anti-minority, and anti-freedom purposes, often under the leadership of dominant figures and their close associates.^[3]

The rulers of an illiberal democracy may disregard, circumvent, or undermine constitutional limits on their power.^[4] Whereas liberal democracies safeguard individual rights and freedoms, illiberal democracies may fail to do so, or such rights may be significantly restricted or gradually eroded.^[5] Elections in an illiberal democracy are often manipulated, rigged, or lopsided, whether overtly or subtly, legitimising and consolidating the incumbent rather than genuinely choosing 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]

Some scholars have challenged the view that illiberal democracies are genuine democracies, contending that liberal principles and democracy are inseparable and that elections cannot be considered free and fair without freedom of the press and speech.^[9] Other theorists contend that classifying illiberal democracy as democratic is overly sympathetic to such regimes,^[10] and therefore prefer terms such as electoral authoritarianism,^[11] competitive authoritarianism,^[12] or soft authoritarianism.^[13][14] It is also seen as a type of a defective democracy.