— not by imposing external control over their land.

and societal interactions are dominated by power hierarchies.
This framework not only undermines democratic institutions but also normalizes authoritarian practices, posing significant threats to political morality and individual freedoms.

Consequently, actions like corruption may be reinterpreted as legitimate tributes to those in power, and the rule of law becomes subordinate to the perceived will of the people.

Reiff’s analysis underscores the inherent dangers of such a system, where status eclipses individual rights,

This collectivist approach implies that individuals should act in alignment with the leader’s vision without explicit directives, fostering a system where rewards and punishments are administered based on adherence to this vision.

Liberalism centers on the individual, emphasizing personal autonomy and justice. In contrast, illiberalism prioritizes “the people” as a collective entity, often defined by specific attributes such as race, ethnicity, or religion.