The History of “Illiberalism”

Abstract

The history of term “illiberalism” has unfolded next to that of its opposite, “liberalism.” In Roman times, to be liberal mean to exhibit the noble behavior of a citizen. To be illiberal meant the opposite: to be “slavish”. Over time, “illiberal” became a synonym for “vulgar” or “ill–bred,” and then, in the 18th century, “bigoted.” It is only after the French Revolution that both terms, “liberalism” and “illiberalism” took on overtly political meaning, with illiberalism remaining a pejorative. Neither term was paired with “democracy” until the late 19th century, when “liberal democracy” was born. It is only very recently that anyone would champion an “illiberal democracy” as some authoritarian rulers do today, wishing to distinguish themselves from the liberal democracies of the West.