Democracy Within (Non-State) Organizations: Why and How?

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On October 14, 2014, the American University of Armenia (AUA)’s Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) program hosted a talk titled “Democracy Within (Non-State) Organizations: Why and How? ” with Professor Axel Gosseries, Louvain University (Belgium), Chaire Hoover d’éthique économique et sociale.

PSIA Program Chair, Dr. Simon Clarke, introduced Professor Gosseries, who works in the areas of political theory, ethics, public policy, and issues of intergenerational justice. During the talk, Professor Gosseries posed a question to those who believe in the need for democracy, inclusive participation and deliberation: should non-state organizations such as universities (both public and private), church organizations, political parties, and private firms not be subjected to the same democratic requirements as state organizations? For instance, should students not have the right to vote in universities, or workers in private firms?

Professor Gosseries examined the possible justifications for democratizing organizations as well as the challenges that this may raise in specific organizations. A lively discussion followed afterwards as Professor Gosseries and the audience explored the issues involved.