Surging Democracy: Notes on Hannah Arendt's Political Thought

Adriana Cavarero's new book explores the relationship between democracy, happiness, and dissent, proposing a new view of democracy based on the spontaneous experience of a plurality of bodies coming together in public. She argues that we need to rethink our focus on individual happiness and turn toward rediscovering the joyful emotions of birth through plural interaction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In this thought-provoking exploration, Adriana Cavarero delves into the contemporary debates surrounding the interplay between democracy, happiness, and dissent. Building upon the insights of Hannah Arendt, who viewed politics as a participatory experience, Cavarero incorporates a diverse range of texts, including those by Émile Zola, Elias Canetti, Boris Pasternak, and Roland Barthes, as well as engaging with the ideas of Judith Butler. Through this comprehensive analysis, Cavarero presents a novel perspective on democracy, one that is rooted not in violence but in the spontaneous encounter of a multitude of bodies coming together in public. Expanding upon the themes explored in her previous works, Cavarero offers a timely intervention into prevailing notions about the nature of democracy. She suggests that its emergence thrives on the nonviolent creativity of a widespread, participatory, and relational power that is shared horizontally rather than vertically.

Cavarero's insights are particularly relevant in the context of our digital age, where the rise of digital democracy and the prevalence of selfies have challenged traditional notions of political engagement. She argues that we need to shift our focus from individual happiness to rediscovering the joyful emotions of birth through plural interaction. By embracing the power of collective action and engaging in public discourse, we can create a more democratic and inclusive society that values the diversity of voices and perspectives.

In conclusion, Cavarero's work provides a compelling argument for a reimagining of democracy that is rooted in the nonviolent creativity of a widespread, participatory, and relational power. By embracing the joy of birth through plural interaction, we can create a more democratic and inclusive society that values the diversity of voices and perspectives. Let us strive for a truly democratic experience of political action that fosters happiness, dissent, and collective action.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503628137