Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane Scheppele Upd Now

They argue that because they were elected by "the people," any institution that opposes them (like a Supreme Court) is "anti-democratic." The "Blueprint" of Democratic Decay

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. autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

Through her extensive work, particularly focusing on the constitutional decay in Hungary and Poland, Scheppele explains how democratic systems are being dismantled from the inside out—not by breaking the law, but by using the law itself. What is Autocratic Legalism? They argue that because they were elected by

Understanding Autocratic Legalism: Kim Lane Scheppele’s Framework for Modern Backsliding autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd