The Problem of Democracy in Contexts of Polarization

In this paper I argue that contemporary democracies all over the world are more polarized than ever and intend to analyze not only the conditions of possibility of a democracy, in general, and in contexts of polarization, in particular, but also the relationship between democracy and polarization. My claim is that polarization, if certain conditions are met, more than a problem it is a great opportunity to democracy and a greater democratization. Hence, I bring to mind that it was Ronald Dworkin, who recently asked about the conditions of possibility of a democracy and its relationship with polarization by developing a partnership conception of democracy in contraposition to the majoritarian conception. Besides, I call into attention the classics that have emphasized the relationship between democracy and polarization, since Robert A. Dahl coined the term ‘polyarchy’, such as Samuel P Huntington and Norberto Bobbio. Finally, I conclude that against all odds polarization is a great opportunity for democracy and a greater democratization