Alain de Benoist: The Problem of Democracy

The Problem of Democracy is the first of Alain de Benoist’s book-length political works to appear in English. It presents the complexity and depth that underlies all of de Benoist’s work—qualities often neglected by those who attempt to dismiss him through oversimplification or distortion of his arguments.

De Benoist argues that democracy has been an integral part of our civilisation from the beginning, contrary to the claims of some critics. The issue, he asserts, is not with the concept of democracy itself, but with its current interpretation. Rather than empowering the individual, this modern understanding reduces the individual to little more than a cog in a machine, devoid of control, and subject to the direction of politicians who lack genuine accountability.

As an alternative, de Benoist suggests that true democracy requires a return to an understanding of citizenship rooted in one’s belonging to a specific political community—a community defined by shared values and common historical ties. This vision would reject the liberal notion of delegating sovereignty to elected representatives. Instead, de Benoist calls for a type of government reminiscent of that widely understood in Antiquity—a concept that now feels revolutionary to modern sensibilities.