The erosion of democracy is no longer a phenomenon defined by abrupt coups or violent takeovers. In the 21st century, it manifests more insidiously, as democratically elected leaders consolidate power and weaken the structures that once ensured checks and balances.
As we witness the rise of illiberal regimes across the globe, it becomes evident that the process of democratic backsliding unfolds gradually, often masked by legal reforms and the manipulation of state institutions. The disturbing trend is not only reshaping European politics but also altering the global political landscape.
In the past, democratic collapse was often a dramatic event, with military coups or revolutionary uprisings marking the end of democratic governance. Today, however, the erosion of democratic norms is more covert. Illiberal leaders, who often come to power through democratic elections, gradually dismantle the very foundations of democracy. They do this not through outright violence but through systematic efforts to weaken the pillars of democratic governance.
One of the primary strategies for undermining democracy is the expansion of executive power. In many cases, leaders exploit crises, whether real or manufactured, to justify a concentration of authority in the executive branch. This move enables them to bypass legislative checks, sideline opposition, and control policymaking without meaningful oversight. With power concentrated in the hands of a single branch of government, the separation of powers—the cornerstone of democratic system.
The judiciary plays a critical role in holding the executive accountable and ensuring that laws are applied fairly and impartially. However, under illiberal regimes, the judiciary is often the first institution to be targeted. By appointing loyalists to key judicial positions or even undermining the independence of the courts, these leaders ensure that their actions remain largely unchecked. The judiciary’s loss of independence weakens the rule of law and paves the way for the executive to act with impunity, often bypassing legal norms and constitutional limits.
In countries with illiberal leaders, the judiciary becomes less a safeguard for citizens’ rights and more a tool of the ruling regime. Without an independent judicial branch, individuals and organizations who challenge the government’s policies are left vulnerable to repression, and the notion of equal justice before the law becomes increasingly hollow.
As executive power expands and the judiciary becomes complicit, dissenting voices are increasingly suppressed. One of the hallmarks of illiberal regimes is the growing intolerance for opposition, whether in the form of political parties, civil society organizations, or independent media outlets. Leaders use a variety of tactics to stifle criticism, including the manipulation of the legal system to silence critics, the harassment of opposition figures, and the use of state resources to undermine or discredit dissident movements.
In some cases, illiberal governments employ violence or the threat of violence to intimidate opposition forces and discourage public protests. The erosion of free speech and the increasing danger for those who criticize the government creates an atmosphere of fear, where citizens are deterred from participating in political life or voicing their concerns.
The control of the media is another powerful tool in the hands of illiberal leaders. Media outlets are often either directly owned by the state or come under increasing pressure to toe the government’s line. This leads to the colonization of the media landscape, where independent reporting becomes a rarity, and state-controlled media dominate the public discourse.
The distortion of information is a key aspect of this process. Through media manipulation, illiberal leaders shape public opinion, spread propaganda, and delegitimize opposition. The media, instead of serving as a check on power, becomes an instrument of the government, providing a platform for the ruling party to control the narrative and stifle critical voices. This manipulation of information undermines the public’s ability to make informed decisions, eroding the democratic principle of an informed electorate.
In addition to manipulating the media, illiberal regimes often engage in the manipulation of electoral systems to maintain their hold on power. This can take the form of gerrymandering, voter suppression, changes to electoral laws, or the use of state resources to influence electoral outcomes. By rigging the system to their advantage, illiberal leaders ensure that they remain in power, even when faced with growing public discontent.
Electoral distortions make it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to gain a fair and equal footing in the political arena. In some cases, illiberal leaders change the rules of the game to suit their needs, rendering elections less a reflection of the will of the people and more a mechanism for perpetuating .
The erosion of democracy in Europe and beyond has provided fertile ground for the rise of far-right political movements. These movements, often characterized by nationalism, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and authoritarian leanings, have gained momentum in many parts of the world. In some cases, far-right leaders have successfully exploited popular dissatisfaction with the status quo, offering simplistic solutions to complex problems while undermining democratic institutions and values.
The far-right often uses populist rhetoric to appeal to voters disillusioned with traditional political elites. These leaders position themselves as outsiders who will “take back control” from an establishment that they claim has failed the people. However, once in power, many of these leaders turn against democratic principles, using their position to centralize power and suppress opposition.
The far-right’s ascension is not confined to Europe. Globally, we are witnessing a broader shift in political culture, where illiberal and authoritarian leaders are rising to prominence. From the United States to Brazil, from Hungary to India, populist leaders have emerged with a shared agenda of undermining democratic norms and consolidating power. This global trend reflects a growing dissatisfaction with liberal democratic systems and a desire for strong, decisive leadership, often at the expense of individual freedoms and rights.
As the far-right gains ground, the very concept of democracy is being reshaped. What was once considered a universal ideal is now being contested by forces that reject its foundational principles in favor of authoritarian alternatives.
The erosion of democracy is no longer an event marked by sudden, dramatic changes. Instead, it is a gradual, strategic process driven by the accumulation of executive power, the suppression of dissent, the manipulation of the media, and the distortion of electoral rules. This creeping authoritarianism has opened the door for the rise of far-right movements that are reshaping both European and global politics. As these illiberal leaders continue to centralize power and dismantle democratic institutions, the future of democracy itself hangs in the balance. Only through vigilance and a commitment to democratic principles can we hope to resist this troubling tide and ensure that democracy remains resilient in the face of growing authoritarianism.