Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane | Scheppele Upd

: Target political rivals and civil society groups by cutting their funding or imposing legal restrictions. Allow Intimidation

: Use state resources to turn media into a government echo chamber and suppress dissent. Defund Opposition

Scheppele argues that autocratic legalism operates on three distinct but interconnected levels. Understanding these helps identify the "playbook" of modern authoritarians. autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

Autocrats change the fundamental rules of the game to ensure they cannot lose.

: Lowering the mandatory retirement age for judges to force independent jurists out, then restoring it after filling vacancies with regime loyalists. : Target political rivals and civil society groups

Frequent, rapid changes to electoral laws, especially shortly before elections, indicate impending autocracy. Combating the Trend

Unlike classic dictatorships that rule through violence, autocratic legalists operate under a facade of legitimacy. They use the very mechanisms of law—parliamentary votes, court appointments, and constitutional amendments—to achieve authoritarian ends. Key Characteristics Understanding these helps identify the "playbook" of modern

[Democratic Election Mandate] ➔ [Incremental Legal Re-engineering] ➔ [Constitutional Capture]