Liberal Democracy in France and the UK (2001–2022): A Socio-Historical Research Proposal

This paper introduces a forthcoming research project exploring the uses, transformations, and contestations of the concept of "liberal democracy" in France and the United Kingdom between 2001 and 2022. Rooted in conceptual history and the sociology of ideas, this project seeks to historicize and contextualize the evolution of a term that has become central to contemporary political and scientific debates. By engaging in a comparative and transnational analysis, the study aims to contribute to both theoretical and empirical understandings of the changing political lexicon and its implications for democratic theory and practice. The paper identifies "liberal democracy" as a key but highly contested concept, particularly in the wake of critical junctures such as Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, and the rise of populist movements across Europe. It interrogates how this term has been mobilized in political discourse—often framed against counter-concepts like "populism" or "illiberal democracy"—and how its meanings have shifted in response to global and domestic pressures. Additionally, the study examines the role of academic discourses in shaping and legitimizing the term, focusing on political science and related fields in both countries. Methodologically, this research adopts a dual lens. First, a semasiological approach investigates the uses and meanings of "liberal democracy" in political and scientific texts, analyzing parliamentary debates, electoral manifestos, journal articles, and scholarly books. Second, a sociological perspective examines the networks and institutions involved in the production and circulation of this concept, paying particular attention to transnational dynamics and cross-national influences. This mixed-method approach enables a deeper understanding of the intersections between language, power, and politics. Preliminary hypotheses suggest that "liberal democracy" has become increasingly polarized and partisan, reflecting broader tensions between defenders of liberal democratic norms and critics who associate the term with neoliberalism or elitism. The study also posits that the transnational circulation of ideas, particularly through European institutions and academic networks, has played a significant role in shaping its contemporary usage. As this project is in its early stages, this presentation seeks to engage with the scientific community to refine its framework, methods, and theoretical premises. By sharing initial insights and hypotheses, the paper invites feedback from scholars working on democracy, political representation, and conceptual change. It also aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the methodological integration of conceptual history and the sociology of ideas, particularly in studying political concepts within transnational contexts. Ultimately, this research aspires to illuminate how the concept of "liberal democracy" reflects and shapes political imaginaries in France and the UK, offering critical insights into the challenges and prospects for democratic governance in the 21st century.