Decision networks and quasi-citizens: who deliberates, where?

Abstract

This article argues that the focus on deliberative politics in a state polity reveals two often overlooked facts about where politics takes place and who is participating in it. Recognition of these facts suggests the polity is more adaptable to new situations than usually conceived and suggest unusual and demanding requirements for democracy. The article suggest considering two important elements of democratic politics: decision networks, and quasi-citizens. (1) Decision networks are composed of networks of stakeholders, experts and authoritative decision-makers. Deliberative democracy depends heavily on what happens in these ad hoc decision networks. (2) Quasi-citizens: the people whose interests and perspectives count in a democracy is not a single group defined by citizenship. Deliberation frequently involves non-citizens not just as objects of policy, but as individuals and groups whose interests and interactions have to be taken into account – that is, are represented – in the process of making law and policy. Like citizens, their cooperation and judgment that state actions are legitimate are often required for law or policy to be effective. The article suggests changing the norm of rule by ‘the people’ to rule by ‘all those affected’.