The question of democratic backsliding in Greece under New Democracy rule: a case of 'liberal illiberalism'?

Democratic backsliding is generally associated with populist parties in power. But is it conceivable that it appears when non-populists are in government as well? And if yes, under what conditions?

This presentation examines the parameters of the partisan debate about democratic backsliding over the last decade in Greece and presents prima facie evidence of democratic backsliding since 2019. It argues that such trends under non-populist governments – what it calls ‘liberal illiberalism’ – are expected under a specific confluence of mutually reinforcing factors: a post-populist constellation in the party system, fragmentation of the opposition to a strong non-populist government, and a permissive international environment.

Meet our speaker and chair

Angelos Chryssogelos is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations within the School of Social Sciences at London Metropolitan University.

Professor Vassilis Monastiriotis is Director of the LSE Centre for Research on Contemporary Greece and Cyprus - Hellenic Observatory, Professor in Political Economy and Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies at the European Institute, LSE.

The Hellenic Observatory (@HO_LSE) is internationally recognised as one of the premier research centres on contemporary Greece and Cyprus. It engages in a range of activities, including developing and supporting academic and policy-related research; organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops; academic exchange through visiting fellowships and internships; as well as teaching at the graduate level through LSE's European Institute.

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.