The democratic challenges and potential of localism: insights from deliberative democracy

Abstract

This article considers the democratic challenges and potential of localism by drawing on insights from the theory and practice of deliberative democracy. On a conceptual level, the ideas embedded in localism and deliberative democracy share much in common, particularly the democratic goal of engaging citizens in decisions that affect them. Despite such commonalities, however, there has been limited conversation between relevant literatures. The article considers four democratic challenges facing localism and offers a response from a systems perspective of deliberative democracy. It argues that, for localism to realise its democratic potential, new participatory spaces are required and the design of these spaces matters. Beyond structured participatory forums, local democracy also needs an active and vibrant public sphere that promotes multiple forms of democratic expression. This requires taking seriously the democratic contributions of local associations and social movements. Finally, the article argues that, to fulfil its democratic potential, localism needs to encourage greater democratic and political connectivity between participatory forums and the broader public sphere.

Keywords:

• localism
• deliberative democracy
• local democracy
• devolution
• public participation
• empowerment
• citizen engagement
• deliberative system

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank John Dryzek, Mark Evans, Andrea Felicetti, and David Marsh for their insightful comments and suggestions on the previous versions of this article.

Notes on contributors

Dr Selen A. Ercan is a post-doctoral fellow at the ANZSOG Institute for Governance at the University of Canberra. She works in the area of citizen-centric governance focusing particularly on the theory and practice of deliberative democracy in a variety of settings. [email protected]

Dr Carolyn M. Hendriks is a senior lecturer at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University. Her research examines democratic practices of contemporary governance particularly with respect to public deliberation, inclusion and political representation. [email protected]