Can 'Destituent Power' Dismantle Democracy? Rethinking Protest Movements in the EU
"Exploring the limits of negativistic politics and whether disruptive strategies can truly reconstruct constitutional foundations."
In times of political and economic upheaval, radical ideas often take center stage. Since the euro crisis, the European Union has faced unprecedented challenges, leading to the rise of protest movements advocating for resistance and even partial disintegration. These groups argue that the EU has become a neoliberal force, stifling democracy and preventing progressive reforms. But can tearing down existing structures truly pave the way for something better?
This article explores the concept of 'destituent power'—the power to dismantle existing political orders—and examines whether such disruptive strategies can be defended as a democratic practice within the context of EU constitutional politics. We'll delve into the arguments surrounding this concept, considering its potential and its limitations.
We will navigate the emerging debate on destituent power, dissecting its various interpretations and assessing their feasibility. By understanding the nuances of this concept, we can better evaluate the claims of protest movements and determine whether their actions truly contribute to a more democratic and just European Union.
What is Destituent Power and How Does It Challenge Constitutional Politics?
The concept of destituent power suggests that opposition to, or withdrawal from, public authority can serve as a catalyst for constitutional change. It represents a form of political action that seeks to bypass the established regulatory framework, potentially rendering political institutions inoperative and dismantling existing constitutional orders.
- Anti-Juridical Conception: This view rejects sovereignty and law outright, advocating for withdrawal from conventional constitutional order.
- Juridical Conception: This approach acknowledges legitimacy problems within specific contexts, aiming for constitutional reordering. This is further divided into:
- State Civil Disobedience: Destituent power is a limited form of non-legal opposition justified by the need to remedy legitimacy deficits.
- Popular Sovereignty: Destituent power is an expression of the people's will, a dimension of constituent power.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Disruption and Construction
Destituent power offers a valuable framework for understanding political strategies that challenge the status quo. It highlights the potential for contestation to drive meaningful change and address democratic deficits. However, it's crucial to recognize that destituent power is not a standalone solution. To achieve lasting and legitimate change, it must be coupled with a constructive vision for the future—one that empowers citizens and strengthens the foundations of democracy.