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Objections to Democracy (ODe)

What are the main objections to democracy historically? How are these objections different or similar to contemporary anti-democratic arguments, and which anti-democratic arguments are most persuasive among the public today?

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Painting by Jacques-Louis David: Le serment du jeu de paume. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.

About the project

Democracy is widely considered a superior political system in terms of ensuring broad political participation and the protection of human rights. Hence, this form of rule has inherent normative value. Yet, several people would seemingly prefer to substitute democracy with more authoritarian systems. How can this be?

Throughout history, and at present, democracy has been met with counter-arguments, aimed to limit or even overturn it. These arguments play prominent roles in political theory, but their various manifestations and popular acceptance has been insufficiently mapped and scrutinized in empirical democracy research.

Financing

The research group Objections to Democracy receives funding from UiO:Democracy. You can read more about the project on the UiO:Democracy website.

Published June 12, 2023 11:36 AM - Last modified June 12, 2023 11:36 AM

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