But an uneven playing field means leaders use those advantages in ways that profoundly impair the opposition’s ability to compete. Authoritarianism, Hungarian styleOrban’s Hungary is a prime example of a competitive autocracy with an uneven playing field. Next, Fidesz now controls most of the news media, dominating the staffing of major state media outlets — and driving away most international media groups. Meanwhile, independent media have trouble attracting advertisers, because companies fear government repercussions. The advantages of an uneven playing fieldKilling a journalist or firing on crowds of protesters can easily rally international opinion and turn an autocrat into a pariah.

Source: Washington Post January 04, 2019 11:03 UTC