In person icon Defending Democracy: Security, Populism, and Political Agency

Abstract

This panel explores various dimensions of democratic self-defence, focusing on the intersection of democracy, national security, and political agency in different global contexts. Drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical case studies, the contributions examine how contemporary democracies are grappling with security concerns and the rise of populist threats. One central theme is the concept of "defensive democracy," particularly in Eastern Europe, where heightened geopolitical risks, such as the war in Ukraine, have led to the restriction of democratic rights in the name of national security. The panel investigates how this phenomenon affects the quality of democracy, with particular attention to the role of right-wing populism and the tension between securing democratic institutions and preserving democratic freedoms. The panel also delves into historical and theoretical perspectives on security and order, linking the evolution of early modern policing to contemporary democratic self-defence. By examining the interplay between internal security measures and the rule of law, the papers discuss how concepts such as resilience and political agency challenge our understanding of democratic self-defence. Another paper introduces Hannah Arendt’s council system as a model for revitalizing civic engagement in the face of populist attacks, proposing a way to reintegrate active citizen participation into republican institutions. Further expanding the discussion, the panel explores the under-examined issue of banning political parties as a tool of militant democracy in South America. This analysis examines the legal and institutional frameworks surrounding party bans and how these measures vary across countries, offering insights into the region's unique democratic challenges. Finally, the panel includes a historical analysis of Jacobinism's influence on authoritarian nationalism in Turkey, contributing to the broader understanding of nationalism and its role in global political dynamics. Together, the papers offer a comprehensive view of how democracies navigate existential threats while attempting to preserve their core values.

Title	Details
Democratic Citizenry Against the Populist Attack: Arendt’s Council System as Republican Institution	View Paper Details
Banning of Political Parties in South America: A Viable Tool?	View Paper Details
Security and Order as Concepts of Democratic Self-Defense	View Paper Details
Democratic Self-Defence and Heightened Geopolitical Threats. The Rise of Defensive Democracies in Eastern Europe	View Paper Details
Recovering the Lost History of Jacobinism: Rethinking Authoritarian Nationalism in Turkey	View Paper Details