I wouldn't say the rule of law is an illusion - it's a social construct or a social tradition. The rule of law has had real power in the past, and has often given the minority power over the majority.

The problem is that as a social construct, it will break down if too few people believe in it. And that's what is starting to happen here.

The rule of law is pretty similar to money actually - it only has power if people believe it has power.