Conceptualizing Democratic Resilience

This paper introduces a novel conceptualization of democratic resilience within the dynamic field of the science of democracy. While the prevailing approach to democratic resilience often confines itself to the operationalization of minimal democratic criteria, specifically focusing on the resilience of institutions, particularly checks and balances, this paper contends that democratic institutions alone are necessary but insufficient for democratic resilience. In addition to robust institutions, a resilient democracy requires the active participation of democrats – both elites and citizens who uphold the fundamental tenets of (liberal) democracy, emphasizing majority rule and the protection of minority rights. The democratic values of the citizenry and the elite are inherently linked to active participation, extending beyond the confines of elections. Recognizing that free elections are unattainable in an unfree context, resilient democracy thus requires democratic context - a free media for discussions to flourish. These discussions span policy debates and extend to conversations about the structure and essence of democracy, which should not be exclusive to the elite. On the contrary, citizens and civil society should play an integral role in shaping democratic dialogue. Such conversations can manifest in various settings – be it around the kitchen table, in a local pub, school, church, or within the parliamentary chambers. In sum, a comprehensive assessment of democratic resilience should encompass not only democratic institutions but also the attitudes and behaviors of elites and citizens, along with the democratic context – the deliberative space where the very form and nature of democracy are deliberated upon and redefined.