Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane Scheppele Upd (2027)

Kim Lane Scheppele autocratic legalism as the process where democratically elected leaders use their electoral mandates to systematically dismantle the constitutional system through legal and constitutional means. Unlike 20th-century autocrats who relied on military coups, modern "legalistic autocrats" weaponize the law to consolidate power, hollowing out liberal democratic values while maintaining a "veneer of legality". Paper Outline: Autocratic Legalism I. Introduction Definition

: Because the leader is popular, many citizens view the dismantling of institutions as "cleaning up" a corrupt or slow-moving "old system." autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

Rewriting constitutions or passing major legal reforms that entrench the ruling party and make future removal from power nearly impossible. Kim Lane Scheppele autocratic legalism as the process

🗳️ The legal framework of elections is altered to favor the incumbent. This includes gerrymandering, changing campaign finance laws, or creating "media councils" that penalize independent reporting while subsidizing state-friendly outlets. Key Examples from Scheppele’s Research Introduction Definition : Because the leader is popular,

: Use the mandate to pack courts and capture the legislature. Neutralizing Checks