The Rule of Law, The Far-Right Populism and Global Democracy. Is Democracy in Decline?

Abstract

The rise of far right "populism" has led to a new wave of anxiety regarding the constitution of liberal democracy and the rule of law. This study examines the relationship between far-right populism, the rule of law and democratic decline. This study uses convergent mixed methods research design. Primary data were collected through 29 purposively selected Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Content analysis was used to analyse the KII data, and descriptive statistics to quantify the prevalence of themes identified. Secondary evidence included academic and written reports on democracy and rule-of-law, as well as documentary evidence, such as substantive case evidence from Hungary, Poland and Italy. It was then followed by a hybridisation of the primary and secondary findings, via triangulation. The KIIs found four main pathways between far-right populism and democratic and rule-of-law violation. These comprised the curtailment of judicial independence, attacks on the freedom of the media and freedom of expression, executive power grab and restrictions on minority rights. Secondary evidence from Hungary, Poland and Italy also illustrated mechanisms of democratic erosion and showed how institutional constraints can restrict democratic erosion. The results also suggested a corrective nature of populism as it brings the neglected grievances to the fore and mobilises politically excluded groups. The study concludes that far-right populism does not automatically lead to the destruction of democracy. Its most significant danger lies in its subversion of electoral majorities into demands for unchecked political power and in the erosion of institutional limits, pluralism, rights and accountability. The study suggests, therefore, that reinforcing democratic resilience necessitates an independent judiciary, checks and balances within the executive branch, media freedom and good constitutional protection for minority rights.