Autocratic Legalism Kim Lane Scheppele Upd _top_

As we approach mid-term elections in multiple democracies, Scheppele’s core insight is urgent: The erosion of liberal democracy rarely arrives with a declaration of martial law. It comes via legal briefs, procedural votes, and “reforms” to the judiciary. In 2026, the battle for democracy is being fought in administrative courts, ethics committees, and algorithmic auditing boards—exactly where Scheppele told us to look.

Comparative notes:

Introducing legislation that systematically disadvantages opposition parties. autocratic legalism kim lane scheppele upd

Example B — Poland (Law and Justice party, PiS, since 2015) As we approach mid-term elections in multiple democracies,