Define Illiberal Democracy

 Illiberal democracy is a governing system where elections take place, but democratic institutions, civil liberties, and the rule of law are weakened or manipulated to maintain power. It combines elements of democratic legitimacy (such as voting) with authoritarian control over key institutions.

Key Features of Illiberal Democracy:

1. Elections Without Fairness – Leaders hold elections, but they manipulate the system through voter suppression, media control, or changes to election laws to ensure they remain in power.
2. Weak Rule of Law – Courts, law enforcement, and government institutions are controlled or influenced by the ruling party, limiting their independence.
3. Suppression of Opposition – Political opponents, activists, and independent media face restrictions, intimidation, or legal action.
4. Centralization of Power – Leaders expand executive authority, often limiting the role of legislatures, regional governments, or independent agencies.
5. Erosion of Civil Liberties – Freedom of speech, press, and assembly are restricted, often under the guise of national security, public order, or cultural preservation.
6. Nationalism & Populism – Illiberal democracies often emphasize national identity, conservative social values, and resistance to foreign influence (e.g., the EU, the UN, or global corporations).

Examples of Illiberal Democracies:

• Hungary under Viktor Orbán – Uses elections to maintain legitimacy but weakens judicial independence, media freedom, and opposition parties.
• Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – Holds elections but jails journalists, weakens opposition, and consolidates executive power.
• Russia under Vladimir Putin (before full autocracy) – Maintained the appearance of democracy while controlling media, limiting opposition, and manipulating election outcomes.

Is India an illiberal democracy?

India has historically been considered the world's largest democracy, but in recent years, some political analysts and global organizations have described it as an illiberal democracy due to concerns about declining civil liberties, press freedom, and institutional independence.

Arguments Supporting the Illiberal Democracy Label:

1. Media and Press Restrictions:

   • India has seen increasing pressure on independent media, with journalists facing arrests, harassment, or raids by tax authorities.
   • International press freedom organizations (e.g., Reporters Without Borders) have noted declining press freedom rankings.

2. Judicial & Institutional Concerns:

   • Critics argue that government influence over institutions like the judiciary and election commission has grown.
   • Some key court decisions have favored the ruling party, raising concerns about judicial independence.

3. Civil Liberties & Minority Rights:

   • There have been restrictions on protests (e.g., crackdowns on farmers' protests and anti-CAA demonstrations).
   • Critics say laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and actions in Kashmir (revoking Article 370) have targeted minority communities.

4. Electoral Fairness & Political Opposition:

   • While elections are held and remain largely free, opposition leaders have faced investigations, arrests, and political pressure.
   • Electoral bonds and funding systems favor the ruling party, making competition unequal.

Counterarguments: Why India is Still a Democracy:

1. Regular Elections: India still holds competitive elections with high voter participation, and opposition parties continue to win in various states.
2. Independent Judiciary (Though Controversial): The Supreme Court has made rulings against the government in some cases, showing some level of independence.
3. Active Civil Society: Protests, activism, and social movements remain strong, even if they face suppression.

Conclusion:

India is still a democracy but has shown illiberal tendencies under recent governments, particularly in how dissent, media, and institutions are handled. Organizations like Freedom House have downgraded India’s status from “Free” to “Partly Free,” and some scholars call it an "electoral autocracy" rather than a full illiberal democracy.

Comparison: Illiberal Democracy vs. Full Authoritarianism

1. Elections

• Illiberal Democracy: Held regularly but often manipulated (unfair advantages, media control, suppression of opposition).
• Full Authoritarianism: Elections (if any) are rigged, symbolic, or non-existent.

2. Opposition

• Illiberal Democracy: Opposition parties exist but face restrictions (arrests, financial pressure, legal cases).
• Full Authoritarianism: No real opposition; dissent is criminalized.

3. Media Freedom

• Illiberal Democracy: Restricted but not entirely suppressed; independent media faces intimidation and censorship.
• Full Authoritarianism: Fully controlled by the state; no independent journalism.

4. Judicial System

• Illiberal Democracy: Judiciary exists but is influenced by the ruling party.
• Full Authoritarianism: Judiciary is fully controlled by the regime and lacks independence.

5. Civil Liberties

• Illiberal Democracy: Restricted (e.g., surveillance, protest bans, targeted laws) but still present.
• Full Authoritarianism: Almost non-existent; dissent is criminalized.

6. Rule of Law

• Illiberal Democracy: Exists but is selectively applied to favor the ruling party.
• Full Authoritarianism: The leader or ruling party’s will is the law.

7. Power Structure

• Illiberal Democracy: Centralized leadership with weak checks and balances.
• Full Authoritarianism: Absolute control by a dictator, ruling party, or military.

8. Nationalism & Populism

• Illiberal Democracy: Often emphasized to justify power (e.g., protecting culture, religion, or national identity).
• Full Authoritarianism: May be used, but control is more based on fear and coercion.

Examples of Each System:

• Illiberal Democracy: Hungary (Viktor Orbán), Turkey (Erdogan), India (some argue under Modi), Russia (before turning fully authoritarian)
• Full Authoritarianism: North Korea (Kim Jong-un), China (Xi Jinping), Saudi Arabia (Mohammed bin Salman), Russia (under Putin post-2022)

Key Difference:

An illiberal democracy still holds elections and maintains a façade of democracy, while a full authoritarian regime eliminates meaningful political competition and rules through repression.

ChatGPT. Feb. 2025