O árduo percurso do vir-a-ser da democracia

Abstract

The political history of men unveils the complex journey towards equality of conditions, as masterfully illustrated by Alexis de Tocqueville in his works. Skillfully intertwining the Old Regime, the French Revolution, and American democracy in his polyphonic narrative, Tocqueville guides us as a keen observer, aiming to comprehend the turbulent rise of democracy through diverse sociopolitical and economic events. Along this path, the crucial importance of the dialogue between tradition and innovation for a deeper understanding of the upward trajectory of democracy is emphasized. Tocqueville views the French Revolution as a turning point, confronting a decadent aristocracy with the emergence of a democratic society that would help shape the Western world with its values of freedom and equality. Through Tocquevillian analysis, we explore this transition in France, highlighting the ethical-political and economic challenges in transforming unequal structures into a society founded on freedom and equality that is still under construction. Our text not only encompasses the French Revolution but also the unique construction of democracy in the United States, examining administrative decentralization, civic participation, and local politics as vital elements of a democratic political and social system. Furthermore, we will present possible challenges in building a genuine democracy, such as individualism and the potential rise of a "capitalista aristocracy." The research underscores the ongoing relevance of Tocqueville's ideas in understanding the unfolding of democracy in the West, highlighting how each event contributed to its rise in various historical contexts.