Institutions and elections remain, but participation is losing weight and power is concentrating in the executive branch. This was the theme addressed by Alessandro Simoncini, professor of Political Philosophy at the University for Foreigners of Perugia (Università per Stranieri di Perugia), during the second evening of political studies organised by Rete.
At the heart of the meeting was the concept of postdemocracy, used to describe the gradual hollowing-out of democratic substance even as its formal rules and structures remain in place.
The discussion traced the origins of the term and the reflections of various philosophers, focusing on the historical and political developments that have contributed to the crisis of Western democracies.
Rete’s deputy secretary Gabriele Vitali noted growing attendance at the meetings, while pointing out that the presence of young people remains limited. He therefore encouraged people to engage with politics and take part in upcoming initiatives.
