Inadequacy of political doctrine

The inability of a doctrine to meet political needs, whether in uniting a party, in producing effective government, or in drawing popular support, may lead to political schism, social breakdown, possible revolution, national disintegration, and foreign intervention.

1. We found over and over again that EU commissioners and the commission presidents prioritise a legalistic and technocratic conception of democracy: ‘Democracy without politics’. But democracy is much more than the rule of law and the separation of powers. Democracy is a normative and political response to political pluralism. It is about real alternative visions of society competing in a healthy public sphere. We need to think more broadly than judicial independence or the separation of powers — what we are experiencing is the dismantling of the democratic public sphere in several EU member states.  It is an autocracy crisis.

1. Political conflict
2. Inadequacy of doctrine
3. Disillusionment with democracy

1. Political over-reaction
2. Political instability
3. Political inertia
4. Inadequate government
5. Electoral apathy

1. Social breakdown
2. National disintegration

1. Ideological confusion

1. Improving political doctrine

1. Inadequacy