How Do Dictators Destroy Rule of Law?

The rule of law is a foundational principle in democratic societies, ensuring that all individuals and institutions are accountable to laws that are applied fairly and consistently. However, dictators often dismantle these legal frameworks to consolidate power and suppress opposition, leading to the erosion of justice, fairness, and accountability.

Erosion of judicial independence: One of the first targets for a dictator is the judiciary. By appointing loyalists to key judicial positions or pressuring judges to deliver rulings that favour the regime, dictators erode the independence of the judiciary. This undermines the legal system's impartiality, leading to biased judgments that serve the dictator’s interests rather than upholding the rule of law. When the courts become tools of the regime, the concept of justice is severely compromised.

Enacting repressive laws: Dictators often introduce or manipulate legislation to restrict fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and protest. These repressive laws are usually vaguely worded, giving authorities broad discretion to interpret them in ways that stifle dissent. Such legal frameworks enable the regime to suppress opposition and criticism while maintaining a veneer of legality, further eroding the rule of law.

Use of extrajudicial measures: In many authoritarian regimes, the legal system is bypassed altogether through the use of extrajudicial measures. Arbitrary arrests, secret detentions, and enforced disappearances become common tools for silencing opposition. These actions not only instil fear but also deny individuals their right to due process, making a mockery of the legal protections that are supposed to safeguard citizens.

Control of Media and information: A free and independent press is essential for the rule of law, as it holds power accountable and provides the public with accurate information. Dictators often take control of the media and information flow to manipulate public opinion and maintain their narrative. By censoring dissenting voices and spreading propaganda, they create an environment where the public is misinformed or unaware of the regime’s actions, further entrenching their power.

Selective enforcement of laws: Selective enforcement of laws is another tactic used by dictators to undermine the rule of law. Laws are applied harshly against political opponents or marginalised groups while supporters of the regime are often exempt from punishment, regardless of their actions. This creates an environment of fear and inequality, where the law is seen as a tool of repression rather than a means of justice.

Manipulation of elections: Elections are a cornerstone of democratic governance, but dictators often manipulate the electoral process to maintain their hold on power. This can include rigging elections, suppressing opposition parties, restricting voter participation, or tampering with vote counts. By controlling elections, dictators maintain the appearance of legitimacy while denying citizens their fundamental right to choose their leaders freely.

Military and security forces control: Dictators rely heavily on loyal military and security forces to enforce their will. These forces are often used to crush protests, silence opposition, and maintain a climate of fear. The use of excessive force and human rights abuses by these security forces further erodes the rule of law, as they act with impunity under the protection of the regime.

Corruption and patronage: A culture of corruption and patronage often flourishes under dictatorial rule. Loyalists are rewarded with positions of power and wealth, regardless of their qualifications or integrity. This not only undermines meritocracy but also creates a lack of accountability within the government. Corruption becomes endemic, further weakening the legal system and eroding public trust in the rule of law.

Undermining international agreements and treaties: Dictators frequently disregard international agreements and treaties that promote human rights and the rule of law. By isolating their regime from international scrutiny, they escape accountability for their actions on the global stage. This further weakens the rule of law, both domestically and internationally, as the regime operates without regard for established legal norms.

The destruction of the rule of law by dictators leads to the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or group, resulting in an authoritarian and oppressive regime. The result is a society where justice, fairness, and accountability are eroded, and the principles that underpin the rule of law are subverted. To prevent this, it is essential for citizens, civil society, and the international community to remain vigilant and resist these tactics.