The strategy you’re describing is often referred to as “illiberal democracy”, “paradox of tolerance” exploitation, or “authoritarian subversion”.
A more specific term is “tyranny of the means”, where individuals or groups use the freedoms of an open society—such as free speech, democratic participation, and legal protections—to ultimately undermine those same liberties once they gain power.
Another concept that aligns with this is “entryism”, where an extremist group infiltrates an institution or political system under the guise of following its rules, only to gradually reshape it to serve their own ends.
This tactic is particularly discussed in relation to Karl Popper’s “paradox of tolerance”, which suggests that unlimited tolerance can lead to the destruction of tolerance itself, as intolerant groups exploit freedom to erode it.
Examples
Here are some historical and modern examples of how extremists or authoritarian movements have used the freedoms of a society to ultimately erode them:
1. Nazi Germany (1930s)
- Strategy: The Nazi Party participated in democratic elections and used the Weimar Republic’s constitutional liberties (such as free speech, assembly, and political participation) to spread propaganda and gain political power.
- Outcome: After winning power in 1933, Hitler and the Nazis swiftly dismantled democracy, suppressing opposition, eliminating free speech, and using emergency laws to establish a dictatorship.
2. Communist Takeovers in Eastern Europe (1940s-1950s)
- Strategy: Communist parties in countries like Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland initially participated in coalition governments after World War II, taking advantage of democratic institutions.
- Outcome: Once in positions of power, they used legal mechanisms, political purges, and suppression of opposition to establish authoritarian regimes under Soviet control.
3. Theocratic Takeover in Iran (1979)
- Strategy: Ayatollah Khomeini and his supporters used the popular uprising against the Shah to present themselves as advocates of freedom and democracy.
- Outcome: Once in power, they consolidated control, eliminated secular opposition, and established a strict theocratic regime that curtailed many of the freedoms they initially claimed to support.
4. Venezuela’s Chavez and Maduro (1999-Present)
- Strategy: Hugo Chávez won power through democratic elections, campaigning on populist rhetoric that promised greater freedom and justice.
- Outcome: Over time, Chávez and later Maduro eroded democratic institutions, cracked down on opposition, manipulated the judiciary, and restricted press freedom, effectively turning Venezuela into an authoritarian state.
5. Islamist Extremist Groups in Western Democracies
- Strategy: Radical Islamist preachers and groups have used free speech protections in liberal democracies to promote anti-democratic and often violent ideologies.
- Outcome: Some individuals radicalized under such protections have sought to impose restrictive interpretations of law (such as Sharia law) that contradict the very freedoms that allowed them to organize.
6. Modern Far-Right and Populist Movements
- Strategy: Some far-right movements in Europe and the U.S. have used democratic elections and free speech laws to spread nationalist and authoritarian-leaning ideologies.
- Outcome: Once in power, some of these leaders have worked to undermine judicial independence, weaken press freedom, and erode democratic norms (e.g., restrictions on the media in Hungary and Poland under Orbán and PiS).
The Common Pattern
Each of these cases follows a similar pattern:
- Use the freedoms of a society to gain legitimacy and power.
- Exploit democratic institutions to consolidate control.
- Restrict those same freedoms to prevent opposition and ensure continued rule.
This is why some scholars, like Karl Popper, argue that democracies must be vigilant against those who seek to exploit open societies to destroy them.
Prevention
Modern democracies attempt to guard against authoritarian subversion in several ways, using legal, institutional, and societal measures to prevent extremists from using democracy to destroy democracy. Here are some key strategies:
1. Constitutional Safeguards
- Anti-Authoritarian Provisions: Some constitutions include provisions that prevent leaders from easily dismantling democratic institutions. For example, Germany’s Basic Law includes safeguards against extremist groups exploiting democracy (e.g., banning anti-democratic parties).
- Term Limits: Many democracies have term limits to prevent leaders from consolidating power indefinitely (though authoritarian-leaning leaders often try to remove these limits, as seen in Russia and Venezuela).
2. Legal and Judicial Measures
- Banning Extremist Groups: Some democracies ban political parties or organizations that openly advocate for the destruction of democracy (e.g., Germany’s bans on neo-Nazi groups).
- Laws Against Hate Speech and Incitement: Countries like Canada and Germany have laws that prevent extremist speech from being used to undermine democratic values.
- Independent Judiciary: A strong and independent judiciary can act as a check against leaders who try to undermine democracy from within (though authoritarians often attempt to weaken the courts).
3. Media and Information Protections
- Independent Press: A free and independent media helps expose authoritarian tactics and keeps leaders accountable. However, authoritarians often try to discredit or control the media (e.g., Hungary under Viktor Orbán).
- Fact-Checking and Countering Disinformation: Many governments and civil society groups actively combat misinformation and propaganda used by extremists to gain support.
4. Political and Electoral Reforms
- Preventing Electoral Manipulation: Safeguards such as independent election commissions, fair districting, and strong voter rights help prevent extremists from rigging elections.
- Campaign Finance Laws: Regulations on campaign funding can help prevent authoritarian-leaning figures from gaining disproportionate power through moneyed interests.
5. Social and Educational Initiatives
- Civic Education: Teaching citizens about democratic principles and the tactics of authoritarian subversion can help build resistance to manipulation.
- Promotion of Pluralism and Tolerance: Encouraging a culture of open debate and respect for different viewpoints helps reduce polarization, which extremists often exploit.
- Resilience Against Extremist Recruitment: Community programs that counter extremist narratives (whether far-left, far-right, or religious fundamentalist) help prevent radicalization.
6. International Cooperation
- Alliances with Other Democracies: Organizations like NATO, the EU, and the UN promote democratic norms and impose sanctions on governments that attempt to erode democracy.
- Monitoring Democratic Erosion: Groups like Freedom House and Transparency International track and report on democratic backsliding, helping raise awareness of authoritarian tactics.
Challenges and Ongoing Threats
- "Democratic Backsliding": Even in well-established democracies, leaders can gradually erode democratic norms (e.g., by attacking the media, undermining the courts, or restricting opposition parties).
- Exploiting Social Media: Extremists and authoritarian figures use social media to spread propaganda, manipulate public opinion, and bypass traditional democratic safeguards.
- Polarization and Disinformation: Deep political divides and widespread misinformation make it easier for extremists to exploit democracy’s weaknesses.
Conclusion
Democracies are always at risk of being undermined from within, and history shows that once freedoms are lost, they are difficult to regain. That’s why modern democracies must balance tolerance and vigilance—ensuring free expression while also defending against those who would use that freedom to destroy it.
Democratic Backsliding
Democratic backsliding, where elected leaders gradually erode democratic institutions and norms, is a pressing concern in various countries. Here are some notable examples:
1. United States
Recent Developments: In 2024, Donald Trump was re-elected as President. His administration has been marked by efforts to expand executive powers, with many Republican lawmakers supporting these moves, often out of fear or political expediency.
Impact on Democratic Institutions: There are growing concerns about the erosion of checks and balances, with potential implications for the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of the press.
2. Guinea
Recent Developments: The junta, led by Col. Mamadi Doumbouya, seized power in a 2021 coup. Despite initial promises to transition to civilian rule, the junta has missed deadlines for democratic elections and has intensified its authoritarian grip.
Impact on Democratic Institutions: The regime has cracked down on opposition, detaining political leaders and suppressing dissent. The lack of a clear roadmap back to democracy has raised concerns both domestically and internationally.
3. Hungary
Recent Developments: Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has experienced significant democratic backsliding. The government has systematically undermined judicial independence, restricted press freedoms, and altered electoral laws to favor the ruling party.
Impact on Democratic Institutions: These actions have weakened the system of checks and balances, leading to increased centralization of power and diminished political pluralism.
4. India
Recent Developments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure has seen increasing restrictions on press freedoms and civil liberties. Independent journalism faces challenges, with arrests of journalists and suppression of dissenting voices becoming more common.
Impact on Democratic Institutions: The erosion of press freedom and the suppression of dissent have raised concerns about the health of India's democracy and its commitment to pluralistic values.
5. El Salvador
Recent Developments: President Nayib Bukele has taken steps that critics argue undermine democratic norms, including the removal of Supreme Court judges and the Attorney General, as well as deploying the military to influence legislative decisions.
Impact on Democratic Institutions: These actions have concentrated power in the executive branch, raising alarms about the potential erosion of democratic checks and balances.
Global Perspective
As of 2024, 71% of the world's population resides in countries experiencing autocratization, with 42 nations undergoing democratic backsliding.
This trend underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions and norms worldwide.
ChatGPT, February 2025
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