On September 15, we celebrate the International Day of Democracy. This day was started by the United Nations in 2007 in order to emphasize the fundamental significance of democracy for the international community and to strengthen the awareness for its support. It provides a reminder that democracy is both a form of government as well as a way of behaving that shapes life together in plural societies.
Democracy as a Form of Government and Way of Life
As a form of government, democracy is based upon the participation of the citizens in political processes, free elections, rule of law and the ensuring of human rights. It guarantees the freedom of expression, the freedom of the press and the opportunity to criticize without having to fear repressions. The capacity for democracy is also reflected in giving all people access and opportunities, also people who have been forced to flee their homes.
As a way of life, however, democracy goes beyond institutional structures. It supports a respectful and equal way of dealing with each other, based on tolerance, a readiness for dialogue and the ability to peacefully resolve conflicts. A democratic society recognizes the plurality of opinions, cultures, positions and biographies and values these as an enrichment.
The everyday and living spaces of people in a democratic society comprise the physical, social and cultural environments in which people conduct their daily activities and move within the community. They consist of private, public, medial and digital, political, institutional, cultural and religious places as well as workplaces and educational institutions. All of these spaces reflect the democratic position of a society that is based on equality, pluralism and the ability of all citizens to take part.
The International Day of Democracy sends a clear message: democracy is not to be taken for granted and must be actively supported, defended and further developed. In doing so, the question of how structures and behavioral spaces can be created that are democratic is central. This requires not only the preservation and critical self-reflection of free and fair political processes, but also the promotion of a democratic behavioral culture in everyday life. Schools, workplaces, public institutions and social spaces must be organized so that they enable participation, transparency and inclusion.
Alongside wars and geopolitical business interests, some of the current greatest threats to democracy are racism, antisemitism, sexism, classism and homophobia. These antidemocratic ideologies, antihuman attitudes, patterns of thinking and behaving are intended to systemically discriminate against and exclude people on the basis of their ethnic affiliation, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background or disability. They violate the basic principles of democracy that are based on equality, justice and respect for human dignity. They violate article 3 of the German constitution, equality before the law.
Antidemocratic attitudes and actions undermine the central values of equality and dignity that are essential for the functioning of a democratic system. With this in mind, the goal in a democratic society must be decisively fighting against every form of repression and discrimination. This means not only establishing legal measures against discrimination, but also recognizing the promotion of an awareness that plurality and justice are cornerstones of democratic coexistence.
It is important to recognize the intersectionality of these forms of discrimination. Mechanisms of repression are often interwoven. People can be discriminated against simultaneously on the basis of their identities. This interweaving of repression and discrimination makes it necessary to develop democratic spaces that not only address one form of discrimination, but instead take all forms of unfairness into consideration. The struggle against discriminating structures is critical for ensuring an inclusive and fair society. A democratic society must actively dedicate itself to equality for all people and, in doing so, respect its plurality as well as the right to self-determination for each individual. This is how democratic structures and behavioral spaces can be created that actually guarantee all people equal opportunities and rights. This requires transparent communication between politicians and citizens, an approach that is critical of the media and aware as well as the effort to actively shape democratic values with the citizens. Democracy supports an awareness for the ability to handle conflicts, error-friendliness, appreciation and a mode of conduct that is sensitive to discrimination.
The International Day of Democracy reminds us that the defense of democracy is a continuous task of a society and is a part of societal responsibility.