Democracy in Ten Questions

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. 1. What Is Democracy?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses the meaning of democracy. It shows that although many scholars define democracy as “rule by the people,” they often disagree about who qualifies as the people, what it means for them to rule, and what exactly they are meant to rule over. To illustrate, the chapter addresses three common definitions of democracy: as rule by the poor majority, as political equality, and as the people’s choice between elites. It also clarifies the difference between defining democracy as an ideal and as a lived reality.

3. 2. Is Democracy Desirable?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses the justification of democracy. Why is democracy so sought-after that some people are even willing to risk their lives for it? It elucidates three common ways of justifying democracy, arguing that it is smart, useful, and fair, respectively. It is smart in building decisions and judgments on knowledge instead of disinformation and propaganda, it is useful in effectively promoting other goals that people find appealing, like peace, justice, dignity, and freedom, and it is fair in giving everyone an equal say in politics.

4. 3. Who Are the People?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses who “the people” in a democracy are, a topic that has gained increasing attention amid growing conflicts on migration, secession, and globalization. The primary issue is not about who should be included in the people, but who should have the power to decide that question. The chapter distinguishes between three options in the literature - the members themselves, everyone subject to rule, and humanity as a whole - and discusses the political implications of each option.

5. 4. How Should the People Rule?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses how people should rule. There are three main ways of doing this: electing representatives, participating directly in decision-making processes and discussions, or rotating who makes decisions by drawing lots. The chapter shows that while the election, or “one person one vote,” conveys a clear sense of equality, it is often criticized for being overly formalistic. As a remedy, many scholars propose direct forms of rule like participatory budgeting, referendums, workplace democracy, and lottery.

6. 5. Rule Democratically—But Over What?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses what the people in a democracy should rule over. What aspects of society should people get to decide on, and what lies outside its domain? The usual answers are: as little as possible, as much as possible, and somewhere in between. The key conflict concerns what counts as public and private, and in particular, how to think about private property in a democracy. The chapter goes through the main positions in the literature and the justification given for them.

7. 6. Does Democracy Need a Constitution?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses the relationship between popular rule and the rule of law. Many scholars insist that the rule of law strengthens democracy by creating predictability, equality under the law, and counteracting arbitrariness in the exercise of power. Why this is needed, however, is open to debate. The chapter examines three different arguments as to why democracy needs a constitution: to tame popular power, to reduce corruption among the elites, and to bind equals to each other.

8. 7. Is Populism Democratic?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses the meaning of populism and how it relates to democracy. The key issue is how to interpret the global rise of populism. Is populism digging democracy’s grave, or is it a popular movement demanding a more democratic democracy? The chapter identifies three distinct positions in the literature: Populism as a threat to democracy, as a wake-up call for democracy, and as a gap in democracy that forces us to think through what it means to be a democrat.

9. 8. Should a Democracy Defend Itself?

   Sofia Näsström

   Abstract

   The chapter discusses how a democracy should respond to those who want to come to power in a democratic way, only to dismantle it. Should a democracy tolerate the intolerant? The chapter delineates three positions in the literature: a militant, political, and social approach. The issue is whether to forbid the enemies of democracy to act in political arenas, to include them in coalitions, parties, and debates, or to puncture their allure through economic equality and social integration.

10. 9. Is Democracy Fast or Slow?

    Sofia Näsström

    Abstract

    The chapter discusses the role of time in a democracy. There is growing concern that democracy’s internal pace is no longer suitable for today’s challenges. It is seen as too fast because short election cycles make it hard to address long-term issues like climate change. At the same time, it is considered too slow to respond swiftly to urgent crises, such as pandemics, wars, or serious crimes. The chapter raises the question of whether democracy is too fast, too slow, or a system that deliberately hurries slowly.

11. 10. Does Democracy Have a Future?

    Sofia Näsström

    Abstract

    The chapter discusses the future of democracy amid growing uncertainty. As doubts about what lies ahead increase, researchers, politicians, writers, journalists, and citizens alike are debating whether democracy will last. The chapter discusses three stylized positions in the literature that capture the main lines of the debate. Those who say No, and predict the death of democracy. Those who say Yes, and point out that democracy has always gotten out of crises unscathed and strong. And those who say Maybe, adding that it depends on the actions we take here and now.

12. Backmatter