A liberal democracy where the formal guarantees of rights and freedoms coexist with systemic capture by elite networks. Free press exists, but it's owned by cronies; independent judiciary exists, but judges are appointed by cronies; competitive elections exist, but only cronies can afford to run; civil society exists, but critical organizations are defunded or harassed. The institutions of liberal democracy are preserved as a facade, but their substance has been hollowed out by the same networks that claim to serve them.
Example: "The constitution guaranteed freedom of speech, but every major newspaper was owned by a business group that financed the ruling party. Crony liberal democracy: rights on paper, capture in practice."
by Abzugal March 22, 2026
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