Political power and democracy in Denmark: decline of democracy or change in democracy?

Abstract:

The article summarizes core findings of the Danish Democracy and Power Study (1998–2003) regarding changes in democratic governance and discusses whether they contribute to a decline or a modernization of democracy. It is argued that changes should not be evaluated by standards that are too strongly linked to the institutional structure of the past, that accountability should not be over-emphasized as a criterion of democracy, and that one should look for functional equivalents. The constraints of globalization for national politics, especially for welfare policies, are called into doubt, and it is pointed out that even the impact of the European Union (EU) is limited in many core policy areas. The EU may enhance the capacity of politics against markets, but a core problem is a democratic deficit in public debates and participation. Turning to national politics, however, we find equivalent democratic deficits in political decision-making processes. Empowerment of citizens is high, but there is a deficit of participation in input side politics beyond elections, and problems with the linkages between the people and their political leaders. However, new structures of mass elite communication have developed which at least have contributed to responsive governance and widespread political trust.

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