The process of removing liberal principles, policies, or freedoms from a system or society.
From 'deliberalize' (to reverse liberalization), combining 'de-' (reverse/remove) with 'liberalization' (the process of making something more liberal). This is a modern political term that emerged in the 20th century.
This word became more common in academic discussions after 2000 when scholars noticed some democracies were rolling back freedoms rather than expanding them—it's the opposite of what most people expected would happen over time!
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