Democracy as a Moving Target

Abstract

The challenge of globalization seriously questions some of the conditions that the literature has insisted upon as necessary requirements for the proper functioning of a democratic polity — the existence of a demos, and of a state, as well as of appropriate economic and cultural conditions. Similarly, the challenge of mediatization raises serious questions with respect to the cultural preconditions of democracy and, most importantly, with respect to the preconditions of political communication more specifically. We shall discuss the preconditions of democracy with particular attention to the implications of our two challenges for the future chances of democracy. In this respect, we shall be especially attentive to European integration as the most advanced form of political and economic integration at the supranational level.