Why liberal rights define democracy

Recent scholarly debates highlight conceptual confusion around the term “illiberal democracy” – a term widely used by academics, policymakers, and democracy watchdogs alike. We substantiate the need for greater clarity by evidencing significant ambiguity around the concept “illiberal democracy.” Analysing key definitions of both liberalism and democracy, we show that conceptual confusion underpins central scholarly debates around democratic backsliding and bedevils the labels used by democracy watchdogs. On conceptual terrain, we clarify that contemporary political regimes must have substantial liberal rights to qualify as a democracy. Clearly said, no liberal rights, no democracy.