Topic 1 — Illiberal Political Parties

Working definition
Illiberal political parties are parties that participate in democratic competition but challenge core liberal-democratic principles, such as pluralism, minority rights, judicial independence, and limits on executive power. They often accept elections and democratic legitimacy while promoting majoritarian, exclusionary, or anti-constitutional ideas.

These parties influence political systems not only when they govern, but also when they are in opposition. Research shows that illiberal parties can reshape public discourse, pressure mainstream parties to adopt illiberal positions, and normalize anti-liberal ideas over time. It is important to note that the traditional left-right division doesn’t necessarily apply, when looking for illiberal political parties in the political landscape. While the illiberal shift in right wing parties is significant, there are cases of traditional left wing parties with strong illiberal agendas as well – such as the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia.

Illiberalism often enters democratic systems through parties, not against them.

Definitions and Concepts in this Topic:
Illiberal parties, Populism, party competition, mainstreaming, polarization

Where to look in the literature:

• Wagner et al. (2025) on party competition and discourse
• Enyedi (2024) on illiberal ideology
• AUTHLIB thematic issue (Politics & Governance, 2025)