Defending Democracy in an Illiberal World

“The current worldwide wave of autocratization poses one of the most serious tests to the global architecture long thought to structure international politics: the liberal rules-based international order,” write Marie-Eve Desrosiers and Nic Cheeseman in the new issue of the Journal of Democracy. Authoritarian middle powers, they explain, have helped chip away at the foundation of that order—promoting undemocratic norms and undermining the ability of multilateral institutions to uphold democratic standards.

It’s not just liberal powers and international organizations that have been scrambling to respond to our rapidly changing world, write Maryhen Jiménez, Javier Pérez Sandoval, and Timothy J. Power. Faced with dwindling international support, prodemocracy activists and opposition parties on the ground must now find new ways to continue their fight.

Read these essays, free through the end of April. And don’t miss our coverage of Hungary’s pivotal election taking place today.

The Rise of Authoritarian Middle Powers

The world’s “middle powers” were once bastions of defense for a liberal rules-based international order. But no more. A new kind of authoritarian middle power has emerged, undermining democratic norms and safeguards.

By Marie-Eve Desrosiers and Nic Cheeseman

How Global Illiberalism Damages Democracy

Oppositions resisting autocrats or antidemocratic incumbents could once get help internationally. But the space for democracy promotion has narrowed, while oppositions face divisions within their own ranks over how to best fight back.

By Maryhen Jiménez, Javier Pérez Sandoval, and Timothy J. Power

The Day After Hungary’s Pivotal Election

As Hungary approaches a crucial election, Viktor Orbán finds himself vulnerable. These are the three most likely postelection scenarios and how civil society must respond.

By Breza Race Maksimovic and Stefania Kapronczay

Why Viktor Orbán Is in Trouble

A series of unforced errors, poor results, and a worthy opponent are part of the explanation. But there are wider lessons that may explain how Orbán and other illiberal leaders can be defeated.

By Ferenc Laczó

How Viktor Orbán Wins

The case of Hungary shows how autocrats can rig elections legally, using legislative majorities to change the law and neutralize the opposition at every turn, no matter what strategy they adopt.

By Kim Lane Scheppele

The Journal of Democracy is published quarterly in January, April, July, and October. Members of the press and members of Congress who wish to receive electronic access should email our managing editor. For more information, please visit our website or send us an email.

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