Every move they make is backed by a parliamentary vote, a judicial ruling, or a constitutional amendment.
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
Scheppele’s research outlines a specific toolkit used by autocratic legalists to consolidate power. The goal is rarely to abolish democracy entirely, but to create a "zombie democracy"—an empty shell where elections happen, but the incumbent can never lose. Every move they make is backed by a
Understanding Autocratic Legalism: Kim Lane Scheppele’s Framework for Modern Backsliding a judicial ruling