Conference paper

The paradox of Opposition

Ivan Prpić ; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Contemporary Western politologists consider opposition a civilizational achievement and a singular value of democratic pluralist systems, but have not managed to come up with an unambiguous definition of the concept "opposition". This paradox is a consequence of the fact that the opposition, in order to exist, must renounce radical antagonism and use of violence in promoting its interests and political goals. The existence od the opposition establishes the position (government) as a party of the totality of the system which must recognize the equality of the opposition and renounce the use of violence agaisnt the opposition. The consensus on the necessity of renouncing the use of force enables the establishment of the totality of a sytem in freedom. Thus, the opposition's role is not solely to control the government and provide alternatives; by its contraposition it stabilizes and legitimizes democratic systems.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

110570

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/110570

Publication date:

4.9.1995.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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