antidemokraattinen

Antidemokraattinen is a Finnish adjective that translates to "anti-democratic" in English. It describes actions, sentiments, or systems that are opposed to, undermine, or reject the principles and practices of democracy. Democracy, in its essence, is a form of government in which the people have the authority to choose their governing legislators. This is achieved through a system of participation by the citizens, typically involving free and fair elections.

Therefore, anything described as antidemokraattinen stands in contrast to these core tenets. This can manifest in various ways. It might refer to political ideologies that advocate for authoritarian rule, where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small elite, and citizen participation is suppressed. It can also describe specific actions taken by individuals or groups that aim to obstruct democratic processes, such as suppressing free speech, manipulating elections, or undermining the independence of the judiciary and the press.

Furthermore, the term can be used to critique policies or societal trends that erode democratic norms, even if they do not directly abolish democratic institutions. For instance, excessive concentration of wealth, widespread corruption, or the spread of disinformation can be seen as antidemokraattinen forces that weaken the foundations of a democratic society by diminishing trust and equal participation. In essence, antidemokraattinen encompasses any force or tendency that works against the idea of government by and for the people.