Militant democracy normalizes illiberal law

Framing speech limits as democratic self‑defence (the 'militant democracy' doctrine) can steadily expand the legal grounds for censoring opponents and increase surveillance, turning a short‑term containment tool into a durable illiberal practice. The shift is subtle because it wears the language of protection and constitutionalism, making pushback harder and normalising exceptions to free‑speech rules. — If democracies adopt this logic widely, it could legitimize expansive censorship and surveillance under the guise of defending democracy, reshaping political contestation and civil liberties across Europe and beyond.