illiberal

Illiberal is an adjective used in political discourse to describe beliefs, policies, or regimes that reject or constrain liberal democratic norms. In this sense, illiberalism refers to actions that limit civil liberties, undermine the rule of law, constrain minority rights, or tolerate media suppression, while sometimes preserving formal electoral processes or constitutional forms.

One commonly discussed use is illiberal democracy, a term for regimes that hold elections but where the government curtails checks and balances, suppresses dissent, and weakens independent institutions. The idea contrasts with liberal democracy, which emphasizes individual rights, pluralism, and the separation of powers. The concept gained prominence in discussions of democratic backsliding in the 2010s; the term was popularized after Fareed Zakaria's 1997 essay “The Rise of Illiberal Democracy” and later applied to various cases in Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and elsewhere.

Notable discussions or debates include governments that promote nationalist or majoritarian policies while keeping elected assemblies. Critics argue that illiberal governance erodes civil rights, minority protections, and the independence of the judiciary and media; supporters claim such approaches defend national sovereignty, cultural cohesion, or security. Illiberalism is not tied to a single ideology; it can arise from nationalist, populist, religious conservative, or authoritarian currents.

Within academic and policy debates, illiberalism is discussed in relation to liberalism, post-liberalism, and democratic backsliding. It raises questions about the resilience of democratic institutions and the balance between majority rule and individual rights.