Respect and Arrogance in Democratic Societies
Democracy promises political equality - not only at the
ballot box itself, but also in the wider political arena where citizens discuss
legitimate interests and collective decisions. In the political practice of
liberal democracies, this basic principle is increasingly being called into
question: on the one hand, by political currents that link the relative status
of citizens to their ethnic background; on the other, by those who summarily refuse
to grant supporters of the 'other camp' decency and reason - and thus also the
qualification to participate in collective deliberation. Those affected often
experience this as outrageous disregard. In their anger, they distance
themselves increasingly from the 'arrogant' other side, while seeking emotional
affirmation within their own group. This further encourages cross-party
alienation, affective polarisation and the strengthening of political extremes鈥攗ltimately
paving the way for authoritarian governments.
The project takes a wide-ranging look at the issue, drawing
on relevant findings from various disciplines, in particular political
philosophy, political sociology and psychology. In this respect, it does not so
much aim at basic research, but rather focuses on the practical dimension of
the problem. The goal is to produce a German-language monograph that can also
stimulate debate beyond academia. The planned book will focus primarily on
Germany's political culture and will examine the following questions, among
others:
- What is respect?
- Why is mutual respect necessary in a democratic society?
- Why is it often so difficult to accept those who think
differently as equal partners in discussion?
- Why do we often have more reason to respect those in the
'other camp' than a heated political debate would have us believe?
- Where can or must respect be denied to other citizens?
- What can the state, society and all of us do to promote
respectful coexistence?
Respect and Disrespect in International Relations
The analysis of respect could be relevant for foreign policy analysis and for the examination of processes of interactions: for foreign policy analysis, because it completes the actor's tableau of goals and could deliver better explanations and for interaction process analysis, because it shows the transformation and escalation of conflicts in another perspective. In other words, it is expected that if respect is received the willingness for cooperation rises, while disrespect generates antagonism.
In this field of research interdisciplinary work is essential. Especially philosophy, sociology and social-psychology are important components, e.g. the inclusion of practical philosophy helps explaining just and unjust, because the experience of disrespect goes along with the feeling of injustice. Actors believe that they have always a moral claim for respect. Sociology and social-psychology help explaining the benefit for the analysis of aspects of status and the emotional dimension, which is for the experience of disrespect very important.
Project-relevant links
19:1 (2016)
