Agamben and the proximity between democracy and totalitarianism

Abstract

In this article we will seek to expose the associative links between democracy and totalitarianism, as proposed by Agamben, which refer to the theological origin of political concepts. Contemporary democracy is now threatened. To clarify this situation and the dangers that threaten it, it is not enough to be aware of contemporary theories that seek to clarify it, but it is also necessary to bring to light their hidden foundations. Agamben suggests that there is a “secret solidarity” between democracy and totalitarianism. This association would be linked to control over life through its capture in the state of exception. In order to understand, not only this aspect of power related to the use of force, but also to its ceremonial and liturgy form, – from which the exercise of power never abandoned – we seek to follow the genealogical investigation of the author. In his attempt to explain the links that articulate concepts such as oikonomia and Gloria, Agamben shows that even after the supposed separation between theology and politics in the secular state, the links remain between them through conceptual signatures. We conclude by defending the need for the exposure of these bonds so that the political praxis can be improved.

Key words: Democracy; State of exception; Oikonomia; Glory; Totalitarianism.