Grenzen der Politik: Vom Substanzverlust des Politischen beim „Einholen“ transnationaler Vergesellschaftung

• Published in: Leviathan (Düsseldorf) 1999-06, Vol.27 (2), p.199-217
• Main Author: Thaa, Winfried
• Format: Article
• Language: ger
• ISSN: 0340-0425; 1861-8588

As a consequence of economic globalization, place, character and range of politics are becoming more and more blurred. This article critically examines theories of a "transnational democracy" that aim at a political "catching up" of globalization by shifting the arena of political action from national institutions to multiple networks of a global civil society. In contrast to these theories, it is emphasized that democratic politics requires the fundamental distinction between the realm of political equality and the system of social inequality, the symbolic representation of a collective "we", and the recognition of common institutions. Whereas civic associations within a clearly defined polity foster political participation and strengthen feelings of responsibility and solidarity, transnational networks with their much more anonymous and fluid character may achieve the opposite. The attempts to imitate the logic of globalization in the political sphere, rather than effectively enlarge the range of political action, may contribute to the loss of its specific political qualities.