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A case for democratic pluralism instead of democratic minimalism

Authors
  • Sadr, Omar
Type
Published Article
Journal
Frontiers in Political Science
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Publication Date
Aug 07, 2024
Volume
6
Identifiers
DOI: 10.3389/fpos.2024.1442766
Source
Frontiers
Keywords
Disciplines
  • Political Science
  • Conceptual Analysis
License
Green

Abstract

This paper proposes a theory of democratic pluralism instead of democratic minimalism developed by Shadi Hamid in his book “The Problem of Democracy”. Democratic pluralism will leverage pluralism to create a possibility for reconciliation between liberalism, secularism, religion, and democracy. It presents a framework of democratic pluralism based on four key elements: (1) a conception of democracy that includes performance and political action in the public sphere beyond electoral participation; (2) recognition of diversity and intercultural dialog, alongside the agonistic dimension of pluralism; (3) moderation of individual autonomy and identity politics; and (4) pluralistic accommodation of religion. The paper critiques Hamid’s monolithic notions of liberalism, secularism, and democracy, suggesting that more nuanced approaches to these concepts are necessary. It contends that rather than abandoning liberalism and secularism, exploring compatible versions of liberalism and Islam within a pluralistic framework offers a more promising path for reforming religion and polity in the Muslim world.

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