Democracy as Play

This paper is about the concept of play and games in democratic theory and practice. When we say that democracy is a game — and should be played like one — we are not denigrating it. Instead, we are following the lead of cultural theorists such as Johan Huizinga, Roger Caillois, and James P. Carse who have argued that play is an expression of what is most noble in human relations. Play is how we interact when we respect each other, when we recognize the skills, humanity, contributions, and worth of others, and when we strive to win without seeking to annihilate. Our analysis of democracy as play helps make sense of — and justify — aspects of democracy that are confounding but also desirable and essential: the pretending, hypocrisy, rhetoric, exaggeration, and strategizing, on the one hand; and the willingness to treat one’s competitors as worthy opponents rather than existential enemies, on the other hand. We also analyze forms of fair and foul play that go beyond familiar discussions about following or breaking rules and norms. The conditions that facilitate a politics of play are difficult to establish and maintain, but play is an essential component of democratic theory and practice. Our analysis of democracy as play provides new insights into the normative foundations, as well as the limits and fragilities of democracy.