directed democracy

(20th century)

In states which are formally democratic, but where an elite or oligarchy governs in practice, democracy is claimed to exist because it is 'directed' or 'guided' rather than superseded.

The term (which was sometimes applied to the Soviet Union) combines euphemism and criticism and is now used only ironically.

Source:
Roger Scruton, A Dictionary of Political Thought (London, 1982)


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