Illiberalism: What lies behind the modern political phenomenon?

The article attempts to analyze a new political phenomenon that makes itself felt in connection with the failed «global democratic wave», which was predicted by many analysts in the late 1980s - 90s. On the contrary, at the beginning of the XXI century, illiberal states (China, Russia), challenging the world hegemony of the United States, entered the world stage. The crisis of political liberalism has become an indisputable fact. In post-Soviet countries, instead of democratic transition, there is a transition from imperfect democracy to authoritarianism. Illiberal constitutionalism is evident in Hungary and Poland. In connection with the above, analysts are trying to conceptualize a new political phenomenon, which has been called Illiberalism (non-liberalism). The article contains an analysis of the concept of Illiberalism, its correlation with traditional ideological, political and institutional phenomena. After conducting a comparative analysis of ideologies and political regimes, the author comes to conclusion that the ideological, political and economic constructs known within the European and Eurasian space are of European origin. In order to claim identity and universalism, Illiberalism must demonstrate the basic typological features inherent only to it. So far, we see an eclectic set of marginal European ideas and concepts cynically used by the ruling elites for political or mercenary purposes.

Illiberalism, Illiberalism, non-liberalism, democratic transit, totalitarianism, bureaucratic capitalism