The Problem of Democracy in the Context of Polarization

Abstract

Contemporary democracies are more polarized than ever and this chapter inquiries not only about the conditions of possibility for democracy in the context of polarization but also on whether the relationship is one of compatibility or incom-patibility. The claim is that if democracy is possible here and there —in contexts characterized by their polarization—it is possible everywhere as long as certain con-ditions are met. Hence, the response to polarization provides a hint on the (minimal) conditions of possibility for democracy and polarization more than a problem is a great opportunity for democracy and a greater democratization.