ANTINOMY OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY IN NAZI-FASCIST STATES Cover Image

Antinomije direktne demokratije u nacifašističkim državama
ANTINOMY OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY IN NAZI-FASCIST STATES

Author(s): Elvis Fejzić
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture "Preporod"
Keywords: Nazism; fascism; Nazi-fascist regimes; totalitarian state; antinomy of direct democracy; democracy by acclamation; corporatism; political leadership

Summary/Abstract: Nazi-fascist ruling regimes have gained legitimacy through various forms of direct democracy. That form of government was based on principle of the rule for people. The authorities were created by leaders in the name of the people. Therefore, the rule for people has characteristics of absolutist dictatorship. Nazi-fascist regimes are based on unconditional sacralisation of the supreme leader’s will. With help of demagogy, propaganda and agitation, Nazi-fascist leadership provides the support of manipulated masses that actually assisted them in achieving of proclaimed expansionist goals. At mass gatherings, marches and demonstrations - through direct political communication and aggressive political rhetoric - the people’s feelings were manipulated, and besides, their will was usurped during controlled, illegal and fake referendums and plebiscites. Having this in mind, the author argues that the Nazi-fascist experience of direct democracy was marked by plenty attributes of antinomy.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 70-87
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Bosnian