Democracy Versus Democracy: The Populist Challenge to Liberal Democracy

Michael Ignatieff

doi:10.31389/lseppr.2

Abstract

The current populist challenges in western liberal democracies should not be seen as evidence of their decline, but as a constituent part. The history of democracy shows us that such challenges enable democracy’s growth and evolution. As these modern conflicts and crises see populists seek to capitalise on the discontent of the people, it is evident that much of the conflict comes from tensions between the rule of law and majority rule. Elites seeking to preserve the liberal democratic system need to make their arguments in defence of the rule of law and democratic values, rather than assuming them to be self-evident. We should only become concerned over the fate of liberal democracy when the conflict moves from dialogue into physical violence, or as in Hungary, where the executive has dismantled counter-majoritarian checks. It is only then that the departure from democracy truly begins.

Highlights

I The present populist revolt targets two ideals that lie at the heart of liberal democracy— representative government and the rule of law
Populism can be a source of renewal for democratic systems
Liberal democracy is ‘elitist’ in this sociological sense: it requires trained professionals to accomplish key democratic tasks. This is the feature of liberal democracy that populists most attack, but it is anything but obvious how a highly complex modern society can be governed at all, unless by a combination of trained elites and the people’s representatives, with the latter held to account by the people

Summary

Introduction

I The present populist revolt targets two ideals that lie at the heart of liberal democracy— representative government and the rule of law. Throughout the history of democracy, radicals of the left and of the right have frequently adopted majoritarian arguments against the perceived political domination of the elites and their control over democratic institutions. This is the feature of liberal democracy that populists most attack, but it is anything but obvious how a highly complex modern society can be governed at all, unless by a combination of trained elites and the people’s representatives, with the latter held to account by the people.

Results

Conclusion