Athens as an “illiberal democracy” – populist governance during antiquity

By Vladan Lausevic

Something many people can recognise from history lessons in primary schools: The case of Athens as a democratic city-state is recognised as the first institutionalised democracy in human history.

However, Athens was also an example of a populist government without ruleoflaw and human rights.

What are the similarities and differences when compared to modern liberal/constitutional democracies as in the EU ?

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