Illiberal Democracy: What it is and why you should care
Q: What the hell is an “illiberal democracy”?
An illiberal democracy is a political system that pretends to be a democracy but is rotten at the core. Sure, they hold elections and wave flags, but the folks in charge rig the game, muzzle the press, stomp on civil rights, and do everything they can to keep themselves in power—no matter what the people actually want. It’s democracy in name only, with all the dirty tricks and none of the actual freedom.
Q: How is this different from a regular democracy?
In a real, liberal democracy, you get more than just a chance to vote. You have rights—freedom of speech, press, assembly, and a government that’s supposed to play by the rules. There’s a system of checks and balances: courts, parliaments, watchdogs, and a press that can call out corruption. In an illiberal democracy, those safety nets get cut. The ruling party or leader can break the law, silence critics, and screw over minorities, all while claiming they’re just “following the will of the people”.
Q: Why should veterans give a shit?
Veterans have seen what happens when societies break down. We’ve been sent into hellholes where democracy failed and strongmen took over. When a country slides into illiberal democracy, it’s a short walk to violence, scapegoating, and chaos—the kind of mess we’re supposed to prevent, not import back home. Worse, hostile regimes and trolls love to target veterans, playing on our anger and frustrations to divide us and undermine democracy from within. We’re not pawns, and we shouldn’t let anyone use us to prop up a rigged system.
Q: Why should left-leaning folks be worried?
If you care about equality, justice, or basic human decency, illiberal democracy is your enemy. These regimes go after minorities, crush unions, roll back women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and make life hell for anyone who doesn’t fit their narrow idea of “the people”. They use fear, nationalism, and fake “law and order” to justify all kinds of abuses. The left loses every time, because dissent and organizing get stomped out first.
Q: What are the warning signs?
Media clampdowns: Journalists jailed, independent outlets shut down, propaganda everywhere.
Rigged elections: Gerrymandering, voter suppression, and outright fraud.
Attacks on minorities: Laws and violence targeting migrants, LGBTQ+ people, religious groups, and anyone “different”.
Power grabs: Leaders rewriting constitutions, bypassing courts, and claiming they can do whatever they want.
Polarization and paranoia: Society split into “us vs. them,” with anyone who disagrees painted as a traitor or enemy.
Q: Isn’t this just authoritarianism with better PR?
Pretty much. Some experts argue we shouldn’t even call these places democracies at all—terms like “electoral authoritarianism” or “soft dictatorship” are more honest. The point is, they keep the trappings of democracy to fool people at home and abroad, but the substance is gone.
Q: What can we do about it?
Call it out: Don’t let anyone sell you the lie that “illiberal democracy” is just another flavor of democracy. It’s a con.
Defend the basics: Support free press, independent courts, and groups that protect civil rights.
Don’t get played: Watch out for disinformation, especially aimed at veterans and leftists, trying to make us give up on democracy or turn on each other.
Organize: Build coalitions, stand up for the vulnerable, and fight like hell to keep democracy real.
Illiberal democracy is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. If you’ve worn a uniform or marched for justice, you know what’s at stake. Don’t let the bastards take democracy without a fight.