The aim of this paper is to discuss recent transformations of Democracy in Europe from the point of view of a theory of legitimacy. Focusing on the present European Crisis, the paper will try to clarify why, in a high rationalized context as the one of contemporary western societies, plebiscitary politics returns, and it appears as specifically connected to populism. Through an analysis that takes into account both to the theoretical framework of democracy and the history of democratization in Europe, as it has mainly been explored in Max Weber's political sociology, I will thematise the very relation between democracy and plebiscitary as well as its reference to populism of today. On the streamline of recent works on populism, plebiscitary and the audience-democracy (like the ones by B. Manin, P. Rosanvallon and N. Urbinati) I will challenge as crucial issues the transformation of democratic context in a post-party society and the present meaning of mass politics, as well as the role that political group specifically plays today.
Populism, Demagogical Representation and the Crisis of European Democracy
nico de Federicis
2018-01-01
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to discuss recent transformations of Democracy in Europe from the point of view of a theory of legitimacy. Focusing on the present European Crisis, the paper will try to clarify why, in a high rationalized context as the one of contemporary western societies, plebiscitary politics returns, and it appears as specifically connected to populism. Through an analysis that takes into account both to the theoretical framework of democracy and the history of democratization in Europe, as it has mainly been explored in Max Weber's political sociology, I will thematise the very relation between democracy and plebiscitary as well as its reference to populism of today. On the streamline of recent works on populism, plebiscitary and the audience-democracy (like the ones by B. Manin, P. Rosanvallon and N. Urbinati) I will challenge as crucial issues the transformation of democratic context in a post-party society and the present meaning of mass politics, as well as the role that political group specifically plays today.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
