As populism rises, fragile democracies move to weaken their courts

What’s the difference between the United States and, say, Russia? Or Turkey, Venezuela, or the Philippines?

Spoiler alert: It’s not hot dogs or apple pie. It’s not even just the fact no American president has muzzled, jailed, or, in some cases, killed, real or perceived rivals, as have leaders of those and other authoritarian regimes.

The fundamental dividing line, which is becoming increasingly stark worldwide, and spotlighted by the controversy