Illiberalism is a term which is used more and more frequently. Not without reason. Illiberal tendencies are gaining prominence, and no victories for liberal democracies, such as the fall of the Soviet Union or the EU expansion can put a stop to illiberal tendencies. Now we see countries with decreasing commitment to liberal values of a constitutionally limited government, strong civic liberties, democratic institutes and checks and balances. The European Union experiences this problem through its member states. One prominent region under regular scrutiny is the Visegrad Four countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Illiberalism is not limited to these countries though. No one is safe from democratic blacksliding, only through constant vigilance, and the constant promotion of the benefits of a liberal democracy could combat illiberal trends. These trends are often not isolated, organic , bottom-up phenomena. External forces and interests play a considerable role in supporting their spread. One such external force is Russia, whose foreign policy actions and influence campaigns have often been interpreted by analysts as aiming to weaken EU and transatlantic cohesion. The case of the V4 countries is interesting exactly because of an amalgamation of factors, which might have played a role in illiberal trends in the region. All countries have been part of the Eastern Block, all became part of the EU during the expansion in 2004, and all have a proximity to Ukraine, a further reason it is in the interest of Russia to influence these countries.
The full analysis can be read here.
The publication is supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is not responsible for the content of this publication, or for any use that may be made of it. The views expressed herein are those of the author alone. These views do not necessarily reflect those of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
