Between Machiavellian Light and the Shadows of Democracy. A Political Reflection on Anti-Politics as Fortune

Authors

  • José María Lassalle

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rep.172.08

Keywords:

Power, democracy, anti-political, populism, fortune, Machiavellian, political regeneration, virtue

Abstract

This paper analyzes the validity of Machiavellian thinking in order to explore the contemporary era in a purposeful way. The current time can be characterized as troubled and unstable, with the alliance between great wealth and fortune and anti-politics adding an extraordinary destabilizing force. In this scenario, the invocation of virtue, as was suggested by Machiavelli, remains valid. Resetting politics based on plural deliberation and engagement with the virtues of excellence, veracity and authenticity, may allow the overcoming of wealth and fortune. At the very least, this is necessary if we want to avoid the sharp edges of anti-politics and to fight populism, the disturbing shadow of democracy.

Issue

Section

ARTICLES