Analyze the specific institutional vulnerabilities that allow elected leaders to dismantle democratic constraints from within, and identify the inflection points where reversal becomes increasingly difficult.

Comparative case study analysis of 12 recent democratic backsliding episodes (Poland 2015-2023, Hungary 2010-2023, Turkey 2016-2023, India 2014-present, Brazil 2018-2020, and others). Cross-referenced with institutional economics literature on checks and balances. Event sequence analysis to identify common institutional ordering.

Democratic backsliding follows a surprisingly consistent sequence across diverse contexts: (1) Executive power consolidation via emergency decrees or constitutional amendment; (2) Judicial capture through court-packing and removal of independent judges; (3) Media control through regulatory action against critical outlets; (4) Electoral rule changes favoring the ruling party; (5) Opposition weakening through legal harassment.

The critical insight is that the sequence matters — once judicial independence is compromised (step 2), subsequent steps become almost irreversible because courts will not enforce constraints. The window for reversal closes fastest between steps 2-4.

Cases where reversal succeeded (Hungary 2024 EU leverage, Poland 2023 elections) involved external pressure applied during this window.