Single Idea 23169

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / f. Against democracy]

Full Idea

Even democracy, when it becomes fanatical, as it did …in the French Revolution, ceases to be Liberal. Indeed, a fanatical belief in democracy makes democratic institutions impossible.

Gist of Idea

Democratic institutions become impossible in a fanatical democracy

Source

Bertrand Russell (Philosophy and Politics [1950], p.26)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Unpopular Essays' [Unwin 1990], p.26


A Reaction

Presumably this is because the supposed 'will of the people' is continually placed in opposition to the institutions. For example, there is a problem if a referendum is held, which produces a result in conflict with the institutions.