What term refers to an approach to governance that contravenes accepted liberal democratic values?

The term that best refers to an approach to governance that contravenes accepted liberal democratic values is illiberalism. Illiberalism describes a political system or ideology where certain democratic principles, such as individual rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law, are undermined or ignored. This can manifest in various ways, such as restricting freedoms of speech and assembly, curtailing press freedom, or diminishing the independence of the judiciary.

In liberal democracies, the emphasis is on protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring that governing bodies are accountable to the population. Illiberal regimes often prioritize state power or majoritarian rule over these democratic principles, making it crucial to understand this term in the context of governance that diverges from liberal ideals.

Authoritarianism, while also opposed to liberal democratic values, is more of a broad category that includes various forms of governing without regard to individual liberty, which might overlap with illiberalism. Plutocracy, on the other hand, specifically refers to governance by the wealthy, while libertarianism advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. These concepts differ significantly from illiberalism in their specific focus and implications regarding democratic principles.