Liberal democracy has become vulnerable to illiberal political movements and the gradual erosion of democratic institutions. To safeguard liberal democracy, we propose the concept of the Guardian State, which embraces liberal principles while acting as a defensive barrier against illiberal tendencies. We need strong administrative institutions that uphold liberal democratic norms and resist pressures from populist politicians. Institutionalizing guardianship as the key norm within the civil service fortifies democratic institutions against backsliding. The principle of neutrality alone cannot ensure that only liberal citizens come to power. Structural measures at the individual and organizational levels are essential to fortify the foundations of the Guardian State and protect liberal democracy against evolving threats. Proactive efforts are necessary to defend and strengthen the public service to ensure the long-term viability of democratic governance. The Guardian State places the bureaucracy in a key role in preserving the core principles of democracy.

中文翻译：

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《守护国》：加强公共服务，防止民主倒退

自由民主已经变得容易受到非自由政治运动和民主制度逐渐侵蚀的影响。为了维护自由民主，我们提出监护国的概念，它拥抱自由主义原则，同时充当针对非自由倾向的防御屏障。我们需要强有力的行政机构来维护自由民主规范并抵制民粹主义政客的压力。将监护权制度化为公务员制度的关键规范，可以加强民主制度，防止倒退。仅靠中立原则并不能确保只有自由派公民才能上台。个人和组织层面的结构性措施对于巩固守护国的基础并保护自由民主免受不断变化的威胁至关重要。必须积极努力捍卫和加强公共服务，以确保民主治理的长期可行性。监护国让官僚机构在维护民主核心原则方面发挥关键作用。