In this provocative exploration of modern democracy, Felippe Ramos challenges the prevailing narrative that liberal democracy is on the brink of collapse. Rather than merely condemning illiberal politics and populism, the book delves into the long-term historical and philosophical roots of democracy, highlighting the inherent tension between freedom and the will of the people. He suggests that liberalism, with its focus on protecting individual rights and distributing power, often clashes with the assertion of power of democratic majorities, which, at times, can be disruptive and even violent.
In the face of rising political polarization, Ramos claims that democracy has experienced unprecedented vibrancy with historically low levels of violence and repression. The book reframes the current global political crisis as a battle within democracy itself. As democracy grapples with its own contradictions, Ramos demonstrates that its future lies not in the return to idealized forms of liberalism or radical democracy, but in understanding the dynamic and often uncomfortable coexistence of these two sources of political legitimacy. The narrative shifts from crisis to resilience. Democracy remains surprisingly robust and adaptable in contemporary times.
When Illiberalism Unsettles Democracy is ideal for students, scholars and the informed citizen interested in theories of democracy and populism and their applicability to historical and current cases.
