The most important feature of liberal democracy is a formal system of checks and counter-powers to ensure a balance between the power of the government and the liberty of its citizens. You should have things like: - The rule of law above all - An elected congress / senate in charge of passing laws - Courts supervising enforcement - Free speech and press freedom That's the kind of system I want to live in and that I want to see around the world. I know some people believe they benefit from autocracy when it's "their" autocrat in charge. But I don't think anyone benefits from autocracy except the inner circle of the autocrat. The rule of law is vital for business. It's vital for science. It's vital for everyone's personal pursuit of happiness.