Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane Scheppele Upd 2021

Autocratic legalism is particularly dangerous because it blurs the line between legality and legitimacy. By the time it is obvious that a country is no longer a liberal democracy, the autocrat has already stacked the legal, media, and judicial systems to prevent their removal.

Leaders pack courts, electoral commissions, and oversight bodies with loyalists. They don't abolish these institutions; they make them subservient. autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

Scheppele’s 2026 response: “Autocratic legalism is not the only weapon. But it is the most deceptive. It convinces international donors, domestic investors, and the mildly content middle class that nothing is wrong because everything is legal.” They don't abolish these institutions; they make them

Packing courts with loyalists or changing retirement ages to force out independent judges. It convinces international donors

Institutional targets and vulnerabilities

: Fill remaining independent positions (e.g., central banks, election commissions) with supporters. Dominate Media