Democracy & Authoritarianism

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a leading figure of the “illiberal democracy” model, shakes hands with Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party, known for its nationalist, anti-immigration, and illiberalism (CC0).
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism

Why Illiberalism Explains Changes in Today’s Social Order

About The Oxford Handbook of Illiberalism, edited by Marlene Laruelle and published by Oxford University Press in 2025.

By
Marlene Laruelle
14 Min Read
Voice and Protest in Times of Democratic Decline
Protesters demonstrate in solidarity with Gaza, using visual and performative acts to claim political visibility and challenge dominant narratives. Such collective action exemplifies the use of voice beyond formal democratic institutions. Photo by Alisdare Hickson (CC BY-SA).
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
15 Min Read
Truth and Authoritarianism in America
The erosion of truth as a democratic norm is starkly illustrated by the political strategies of President Donald Trump, in which factual accuracy is systematically subordinated to ideological loyalty.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
17 Min Read
Democracy In Solitude
Rodin's sculpture The Thinker at Columbia University, surrounded by autumn foliage and situated in front of a historic brick building with large arched windows. The artwork symbolizes solitude and deep reflection.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
15 Min Read
The Global Rise of the Radical Right: Transnational Alliances
Supporters of Austria's Identitarian Movement (Identitäre Bewegung), a far-right organization, march through the streets of Vienna carrying a banner that reads "Resistance cannot be banned." The movement is part of the broader radical right network across Europe, advocating for nationalist and anti-immigration policies. Their demonstrations, like the one shown here, aim to resist what they perceive as threats to European identity due to globalization and immigration. These actions have sparked significant controversy and criticism, with many viewing the group’s rhetoric as promoting division and xenophobia.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
15 Min Read
Primary Election Reforms in America: Lessons for Today
This photo captures a locked ballot box used in Carson, North Dakota, on October 30, 1940. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration, it serves as a historical reminder of the democratic process, particularly during pivotal primary elections that help shape the political landscape.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
22 Min Read
Cognitive Closure and the Rise of U.S. Partisan Polarization
Supporters of Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, displaying flags and symbols that emphasize their partisan identity. The scene reflects the intense polarization in U.S. politics, where cognitive closure— the psychological need for certainty and clear identities—drives individuals to align strongly with their chosen political party, leading to heightened hostility and division between opposing groups.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
15 Min Read
The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy
The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
16 Min Read
Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities
This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.
Analysis & TheoriesDemocracy & Authoritarianism
32 Min Read
Unenumerated Rights Through Constitutional Enumeration
Front view of the U.S. Supreme Court building, featuring its iconic columns and grand steps, with a few people walking and standing in the foreground. The Supreme Court is key in interpreting unenumerated rights.
BooksDemocracy & AuthoritarianismPolitical History
13 Min Read
Decline of Free Speech and Democracy’s Social Vulnerability
Pop art style image depicting a person with red tape crossed over their mouth, symbolizing censorship and suppression of speech. The background features vibrant colors and social media icons, including Facebook, speech bubbles, and crossed-out symbols, illustrating the concept of social vulnerability and the impact of cancel culture.
Freedom of ExpressionDemocracy & Authoritarianism
24 Min Read
Qualified Democracies: Everlasting Multi-Dimensional Innovation
Masao Maruyama, a precursor of qualified democracies, working at his desk surrounded by books and papers. Maruyama was a prominent Japanese political theorist who advocated for a deeper and more substantive approach to democracy.
Analysis & TheoriesDemocracy & Authoritarianism
16 Min Read
White Christian Nationalism’s Threat to American Democracy
The image displays a close-up of two hands clasped together in solidarity or unity. In the background, there is a blurred flag featuring a cross, which may symbolize Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge Christian and national identities. The flag seems to take center stage in a gathering, suggesting a public demonstration or political event where Christian symbols are being used in a nationalistic context.
BooksDemocracy & AuthoritarianismPolitics & Religion
7 Min Read
Autocratic Elections: Decoding Modern Authoritarianism
Former President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan walking through a hallway surrounded by other officials, symbolizing the authority he wielded, in a context where autocratic elections have been a subject of international scrutiny.
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
14 Min Read
Global Democracy Theories: Reshaping Political Authority
David Hel, prominent theorist of Cosmopolitan Global Democracy, during the seminar 'A Theory of Global Politics: From the Holocaust to the Present Day'. Photo by Fondazione Giannino Bassetti.
Analysis & TheoriesDemocracy & Authoritarianism
19 Min Read
Polarization in the Digital Age: Democracy at a Crossroads
Polarization in the Digital Age
Analysis & TheoriesDemocracy & Authoritarianism
16 Min Read
Unpacking ‘Hate’: The New Face of Far-Right
Charlottesville: A Moment Frozen in Time at the 'Unite the Right' Rally. Photo by Anthony Crider
BooksDemocracy & Authoritarianism
6 Min Read
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