Högre seminarium i praktisk filosofi: Tore Vincents Olsen (Aarhus)

The role of civil servants under democratic backsliding

Seminarium

Datum:

tisdag 17 december 2024

Tid:

13.15 – 15.00

Plats:

D700

Abstract

The article explores the role of civil servants under democratic backsliding, a process in which democratic institutions and rights are gradually undermined. It delves into the quandary faced by civil servants when a government, initially democratically elected, initiates policies that threaten democracy itself.

Drawing on the literature on democratic backsliding, the article discusses two competing conceptions of the civil servant’s role: the instrumental and the value-based. The instrumental conception posits that civil servants should neutrally implement the directives of their superiors, almost regardless of the political implications. Conversely, the value-based conception argues that civil servants have a fundamental duty to uphold the state’s constitutional identity and values, defending these against any efforts to undermine them even those of their political superiors.

This is particularly pertinent when changes include constitutional amendments or changes in basic political and legal structures, which carry signs of democratic backsliding. A main contention is that civil servants have a special obligation to resist democratic backsliding as their existence as civil servants hinges on valid laws, which can only result from democratic processes. Various strategies that civil servants might employ to this end are examined, suggesting that there might be a duty for civil servants to organize against backsliding governments consolidating their power while dismantling democracy.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the proactive and critical role that civil servants must play not only in defending democracy but also in securing their own survival as legitimate and necessary components of the political system.

SCGG