Tolerant Democracy as an Alternative

Abstract

This chapter examines tolerant democracy, an ideal type of democratic self-defence that operates by maximising the political inclusion of citizens, practices, and ideas. Contrary to dominant negative descriptions of tolerant democracy as a simple rejection of militant democracy, this chapter defines it positively as a logic of ‘immunising’ democracy against various kinds of abuse regardless of their ideological motivation. It has three normative features: ordinariness—threats to democracy are inherent in its nature and thus always ‘ordinary’; consistency—no exceptions to basic democratic rules are allowed under any circumstances; and inclusion—enemies of democracy should have access to all political arenas. The chapter then challenges the common understanding of tolerant democracy as passive by identifying the practices it mobilises to defend itself—constitutional review, criminal law, electoral system design, term limits, civic education, and political engagement. Taken together, these practices highlight the proactive aspect of tolerant democracy.