New Books Network Democracy After Illiberalism: A Warning from Poland
Oct 28, 2025
Stanley Bill, a Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley, an Associate Professor specializing in Polish politics, delve into Poland’s recent political landscape. They explore why illiberal governments gain support, factors behind the 2023 election outcome, and the role of social policies in voter retention. The duo also discusses the complexities of post-illiberal governance and gives insights on the constraints faced by new democratic leadership, providing broader lessons for liberal democracies in Europe.
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How PiS Built Its Illiberal Coalition
- PiS's 'Good Change' combined institutional capture, cultural backlash, and redistributive social policy to win broad support.
- Voters rewarded visible delivery (e.g., child benefits) despite controversies over courts and media.
Delivery Plus Polarization Sustained PiS
- PiS kept core support by delivering popular social policies and through strong polarization that hardened loyalties.
- Many voters experienced PiS governance as 'normal' and rewarded tangible benefits over institutional concerns.
The Post-Illiberal Trilemma
- Post-illiberal governments face a trilemma between acting effectively, legally, and quickly.
- Often only two of those goals are compatible, which constrains restoration strategies.
