ANALYSIS DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS “SILENT CAPTURE”: UNDEMOCRATIC TENDENCIES IN CROATIA Prof. dr. Vedran Đulabić December 2024 Unlike other countries where there is a direct attack on institutions by illiberal ruling political forces, there is a“silent capture” of institutions in Croatia, which is confirmed through the analysis of several publicly exposed cases. Negative trends of institutional development in Croatia have also been confirmed by international indexes which measure democratic development, perception of corruption and the rule of law. In order to reverse negative trends of“silent capture” of institutions, it is necessary to systematically implement a policy of meritocracy, maintain political pluralism and strengthen the institutions of society, especially civil society, independent media, and the academic community.