Autocratic legalism occurs when a leader with authoritarian ambitions uses their democratic mandate to launch a systematic attack on the institutions that are supposed to check their power. Unlike old-school dictators, autocratic legalists:
In the traditional study of authoritarianism, we often look for tanks in the streets, suspended constitutions, or the violent overthrow of elected officials. However, Princeton professor has identified a far more subtle and dangerous phenomenon defining the 21st century: Autocratic Legalism . autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd
They use legislation to cripple the opposition, silence independent media, and capture the judiciary. Autocratic legalism occurs when a leader with authoritarian
Understanding Autocratic Legalism: Kim Lane Scheppele’s Framework for Modern Backsliding silence independent media
Every move they make is backed by a parliamentary vote, a judicial ruling, or a constitutional amendment.